Perspectives on Theory U: Insights from the Field: (Advances in Human Resources Management and Organizational Development)

In recent years, the utilization of Theory U has pushed the boundaries of traditional leadership and management thinking, making it an important aspect of change across a broad assortment of international businesses and communities. Perspectives on Theory U: Insights from the Field brings together an existing array of research on Theory U, including specific aspects of the theory, through diverse interpretations and contexts. While exploring key theoretical concepts and outlining current approaches and blind spots, this book will act as a reference source for researchers and practitioners intending to raise awareness of the applicability of Theory U to colleagues, students, and international business leaders.

About the Author :
Olen Gunnlaugson is an Associate Professor in Leadership & Organizational Development within the Department of Management in the Business School at Université Laval, in Quebec City, Canada. Olen finds teaching and research to be deeply rewarding and views business education as a key societal vehicle for developing and transforming the next generation of self-aware, sustainably-minded leaders and managers. He brings an increasingly multidisciplinary background to his research and consulting interests in leadership, communication in groups and teams, and executive coaching, which have been published across several books as well as numerous peer-reviewed academic journals and presentations at international conferences. Charles Baron is a counseling psychologist and an associate professor in the Department of Management at Laval University. Charles’s funded research revolves around the spiritual and personal development of leaders, the practices that foster it (mindfulness, dialogue, presencing, action inquiry, etc.), and ways to support the emergence of empowered and more conscious communities. His last publications appeared in the Journal of Business Ethics and the Journal of Management Development . Mario Cayer holds a doctorate in organizational psychology and is a full professor in the Department of Management at the business school (Faculté des sciences de l’administration) at Université Laval. For the last ten years, he has been the director of the Complexity, Consciousness and Management training-research program, which is designed to help managers and leaders more rapidly develop the skills that will enable them to better cope with the complexity of organizational life and maintain balance in their lives. Dr. Cayer’s research interests are mainly related to change management, developing management skills, exploration-through-action, dialogue and mindfulness. He holds seminars and presents at symposia in Quebec, the United States and Europe.