My current research focuses on the relevance of organizational trust in a stakeholder context. I am particularly interested in what dimensions of organizational trust are relevant to a specific stakeholder group and how organizations can manage trust more effectively. Based on this research the role of value congruence and identification seems to play a significant role, both for trust and collaboration. However, structural and strategic impediments (e.g. profit maximization) seem to inhibit identification and trust based collaboration.

In the larger context I am interested in ‘life-serving’ approaches to organizational design (see also Humanistic Management Network). The concepts of health, energy and happiness as well as ‘love’ and virtuousness seem very relevant anchors in that regard. My work in this area focuses on the link between freedom, virtue (morality), love (respect), trust and organizational happiness.

For teaching purposes I am working on a concept called ‘life management’ in which strategic management techniques are used in a personal life setting. Instead of a Business Plan a ‘personal life plan’ is designed. Based on a personal vision and mission statement (tombstone engraving) a reverse engineering approach should lead to implementation strategies and continuous improvement of personal life. This course is to be seen in the frame of developing a ‘best self’ as well as building the foundation of a healthy human being. The concept of ‘ENOISM’ ( Ego: l (latin); NOs : we (latin): aligning the passions and interests of the ‘I’ in the context of the ‘We’ , leading to eudaemonic happiness) plays a central role.