Robert Lawson is a long-standing faculty member associated with the MPA program at UVM, having founded the program along with Frank Bryan in the 1980s. Dr. Lawson is a distinguished professor of Psychology at the University of Vermont and is recipient of many honors including having a named, endowed position in Psychology- the Robert B. Lawson Green & Gold Professor of Psychology. He has also received the George V. Kidder Outstanding Faculty Award in 2003.

• Courses

Sample of Courses Taught

Robert Lawson's courses by semester available here.

PA 334 Organizational Behavior and Culture (with Doris Anderson)

This course is designed to examine the multiple influences that shape workplace culture as identified by social science theorists, contemporary literature, and renowned organizational practitioners. Students will develop personal efficacy in understanding and applying scientific principles to impact organizational culture and performances at macro (organizational) and micro-(individual) levels. Students will develop personal efficacy in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and they will gain insight into its advantages over traditional administrative procedures and litigation for improving organizational outcomes. Credits: 3 View/download SAMPLE syllabus (PDF). >>

Recent Publications

Psychology and Systems at Work (2013).

By Robert B. Lawson, E. Doris Anderson & Lawrence P. Rudiger

Organizations matter. Most people spend a third to a half of their lives working in organizations. Given the high rates of unemployment people also spend more time looking for work. In addition, globalization and technological innovation continues to profoundly shape organizational culture, leadership, demography, and structure. For these and many other reasons, it is important for individuals to understand the nature of contemporary organizations. "Psychology and Systems at Work" provides know-how for retaining commitment to collective goals while taping the knowledge of a diverse workforce for riding the waves of change, utilizing mistakes to perfect systems, and insuring quality production. 21st Century theory, empirical findings, systemic intervention processes, and tool sets are thoroughly treated.

Organizational life goes through times of relative harmony disrupted by periods of stress and uncertainty. However, in our own many decades of experience, we?ve been pleasantly surprised at how well people face challenges, defy the odds, and triumph. Success is the result of many factors?including good luck. But we have noticed, as Louis Pasteur observed long ago, that chance favors the prepared mind and resilient work habits.

Last modified November 15 2012 04:25 PM