Thomas Debbink

Biography

Prior to beginning his doctoral education in 1992, Dr. Debbink worked for General Motors for 13 years. His experience was largely in Manufacturing and Quality Engineering, but also included significant assignments in Salaried Personnel Administration and Purchasing. As a Certified Quality Engineer, Dr. Debbink worked with over 100 of the Division’s suppliers to remedy specific quality issues and improve the overall performance of their manufacturing systems. Dr. Debbink has also served as a consultant to NCR Corporation, the United States Navy and General Motors. Academically, Dr. Debbink’s interests are in corporate governance, deception within organizations, and make-buy decision making. His dissertation explored the motivations behind the decision to outsource components in the auto industry. He is a member of the Academy of Management and has presented papers at numerous conferences. Dr. Debbink teaches Strategic Management undergraduate and graduate courses in Tiffin, and graduate courses in the school’s EMBA curriculum in Bucharest, Romania. Off campus, Dr. Debbink is a twenty-plus year member of Rotary International and serves on the Board of the Foundation of the Tiffin Rotary Club. He is a licensed pilot who enjoys introducing his students to the joys of flying. He and his wife, also a teacher, live on Catawba Island where they enjoy sailing and oenology.

Research Interest

Dr. Debbink’s interests are in corporate governance, deception within organizations, and make-buy decision making.