Meet the Faculty: Jeffrey Yip

CGU is always pleased to welcome new faculty members. Here is Jeffrey Yip, who will be teaching at the School of Social Science, Policy & Evaluation’s Division of Behavioral & Organizational Sciences. He received his PhD from Boston University.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO CGU?
When I visited CGU, I was impressed by groups of faculty and students working collaboratively on bold and applied research initiatives. CGU stood out as a university with a strong research culture and a community that cares about doing work that makes a difference in the world.

WHAT ARE YOUR RESEARCH INTERESTS?
My interests and work are in two related areas. The first is on leadership and the psychological foundations of effective and ethical leadership. The second is on developmental relationships, such as mentoring and coaching, and the relational processes that help people learn and perform at higher levels.

WHAT IS THE BEST BOOK YOU COULD GIVE SOMEONE TO GET THEM INTERESTED IN YOUR FIELD?
The Human Side of Enterprise by Douglas McGregor, an organizational psychologist and professor of management at MIT. The book challenges the reader to look at organizations at a deeper level and to consider underlying assumptions that influence how people work and relate in organizations.

WHAT TEACHER/MENTOR MADE THE MOST IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
Kathy Kram and Tim Hall at Boston University are among the professors that have made a lasting impact on me. They are exemplary organizational scholars. From working with them, I have learned the importance of persistence and patience in doing research and mentoring students.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST COMMON FORM OF PROCRASTINATION WHEN TRYING TO GET WORK DONE?
I enjoy science fiction. It helps that my young son is a fan of space exploration and the ever-expanding Marvel universe.

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANY CAREER OUTSIDE ACADEME, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I’d work as a librarian. Good books, thoughtful conversations, and solitude when needed.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE GRAD STUDENTS THAT YOU YOURSELF DIDN’T LEARN UNTIL AFTER YOU RECEIVED YOUR PhD?
Graduate school is hard work but do make time for reflection. What is it that you care about deeply? What moves you? What gives you joy and sorrow? How does this relate to your research and work? Allow time for discernment and pursue your work with great persistence.