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Jane Dutton
Professor at Univ of Michigan (emerita)
Professional Background
Dr. Jane Dutton is a distinguished Professor of Management and Organizations at the esteemed Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. As a co-founder of the Center for Positive Organizations, she has dedicated her career to researching the transformative effects of Positive Organizational Scholarship on workplace dynamics and overall organizational health. Dr. Dutton has held numerous academic positions, including tenure as a co-director at the Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship, where she has played a pivotal role in spearheading research and educational initiatives geared toward fostering a more compassionate work environment.
Her remarkable career reflects a strong commitment to improving the life and conditions within organizations by focusing on human interactions, specifically the importance of compassion at work, positive identities, and the formation of high-quality connections among employees. Through her research, she aims to understand and develop impactful practices that enhance employee well-being and organizational performance.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Dutton's educational journey has significantly contributed to her expertise in organizational behavior. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Colby College, where she first began exploring the complexities of social interactions and their implications within organizations. She furthered her academic pursuits by attaining a Ph.D. from Northwestern University, where she deepened her understanding of organizational dynamics and human behaviors in the workplace.
One of Dr. Dutton's most notable achievements is her recently published book, "Awakening Compassion at Work," co-authored with her colleague Monica Worline, which was released by Berrett-Koehler in 2017. This book synthesizes over 20 years of research, offering innovative designs and practical strategies to instill compassion within workplaces. The text serves not only as a scholarly contribution but also as a practical guide for leaders and human resources professionals seeking to create more empathetic and supportive workspaces.
In addition to her extensive research publications, Dr. Dutton’s contributions to the field of Positive Organizational Scholarship have been influential in advancing collective knowledge regarding how positive experiences and high-quality connections can foster a thriving organizational culture.
Achievements
- Dr. Jane Dutton is recognized for her ground-breaking research on compassion at work, which has enlightened both scholars and practitioners about the importance of empathy and its impact on employee satisfaction and organizational performance.
- As a co-founder of the Center for Positive Organizations, she has played an instrumental role in cultivating an academic community focused on enhancing work life through deliberate positive interventions.
- Her book, "Awakening Compassion at Work," is celebrated for its comprehensive approach to understanding how compassion can be embedded in organizational practices, which has resonated widely with business leaders and professionals seeking to improve workplace cultures.
- Dr. Dutton's work has established her as a thought leader in her field, prompting organizations to consider the human element as a crucial factor in achieving business success.
- Through her initiatives and extensive research network, she continues to inspire a movement towards creating workplaces that prioritize well-being, connection, and compassion.
Dr. Dutton’s ongoing efforts not only contribute to academic discourse but also drive practical changes in how organizations understand and implement positive practices for better organizational health and employee engagement.
