Sandra Cha  

Biography

"Sandra Cha is an Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior at Brandeis International Business School. She teaches in the masters and undergraduate business programs, and she has been featured as “Professor of the Week” in the Financial Times. Professor Cha conducts research on leadership and identity, focusing on two aspects: leading through shared values (which are a core component of identity) and leading in the context of demographic diversity. First, many organizations emphasize shared values—ranging from quality to mutual respect to the environment—in an attempt to inspire employees and focus them on strategic priorities. Values-based leadership can motivate and coordinate employees, without impinging on the autonomy needed for excellent performance under changing conditions. Second, in an era of rapid workforce diversification, individuals who are (or wish to become) leaders must be able to work effectively across lines of difference. Professor Cha’s research has appeared in publications including the Journal of Applied Psychology and Harvard Business Review. She has received multiple awards for her research, including two awards from the Academy of Management, the Accenture Award for a significant contribution to management, and an approximately $100,000 grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. Professor Cha holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior, awarded jointly by Harvard Business School and the Harvard Psychology Department. She also earned an M.A. in Social Psychology and a B.A. in Psychology (magna cum laude) from Harvard University. Her past homes include La Paz, Bolivia; Manila, Philippines; and Washington, D.C."

Research Interest

Leadership, Identity in organizations, Organizational behavior.