Professor of
Management and
Organizations;
Director, Center for
Positive
Organizational
Scholarship;
Professor of
Sociology; Faculty
Associate, Institute
for Social Research;
Faculty Associate,
Nonprofit and Public
Management Center
University of
Michigan
wayneb@umich.edu
Connecting to Positive Organizational Scholarship
1. Energy networks in organizations.
Rob Cross and I conducted the first-ever study of energy in organizational networks. We demonstrated that centrality in the energy network was a much bigger predictor of individual performance than position in the information network. We present key results in our chapter (with Melissa Wooten) in Positive Organizational Scholarship, edited by Cameron, Dutton, and Quinn (2003), and develop managerial applications in a Sloan Management Review article (with Andrew Parker). Both are available at www.waynebaker.org.
Currently, Ryan Quinn and I are using agent-based modeling to simulate energy in networks, based on the empirical findings from my previous studies. We show that positive energy aids the transfer and dissemination of information, while negative energy leads to information loss in organizations. In the process of this study, we have also validated energy as a distinct dimension of relationships, separate from liking, trust, and other types of tie.
2. Positive social capital and generalized reciprocity.
My first two books (and many articles) focused on social capital and social networks. Since their publication, I have been expanding the theory of social capital and developing tools to elevate social capital. For example, Jane Dutton and I have proposed the idea of “positive social capital,” which links POS with social capital research. We bridge our micro and macro approaches, showing how “high quality connections” (Dutton) and “reciprocity” (Baker) are components of positive social capital. We specify the underlying mechanisms and some of the organizational practices associated with positive social capital.
All scholars of social capital agree that “generalized reciprocity” is a key feature of social capital in organizations, communities, schools, and nations. Yet no one has been able to create generalized reciprocity. I have been working as a technical advisor to develop this tool, the virtual Reciprocity Ring™ (www.reciprocityring.com). This tool facilitates the practice of generalized reciprocity and produces measurable benefits. I am currently using this tool in a variety of settings to better understand the conditions that foster high levels of positive social capital.
3. Values, religion, and spirituality.
My latest book, America’s Crisis of Values: Reality and Perception (Princeton
University Press 2005), analyzes the “other side” of social capital: shared
values. I analyze America’s values over time and in cross-cultural perspective,
using data from the World Values Surveys. Contrary to popular perception, I find
that Americans tend to have traditional values, these values have been stable
over time, and America is not deeply divided. Rather, American’s tend to share
the same fundamental values. The red/blue metaphor of divided nation is a
pernicious and misleading myth. This book was favorably reviewed by the New York
Times, and a lecture on it was recorded and televised by C-Span. (You can see my April 2005 talk
on C-Span). Since the publication of the book, I have applied and expanded its theory and findings. This work includes articles showing how values are related to (1) voting, party identification, and political ideology, and (2) market attitudes (with Melissa Forbes). I have also applied the theoretical framework from the book to analyze the values of Arab Americans in global, national, and regional perspective.
Current work includes a proposal with Kim Cameron and Gretchen Spreitzer to analyze positive practices, workplace spirituality, and religious practices in large organizations.
Please visit www.waynebaker.org to
access book chapters, articles, and working papers. ,
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