How do people discover passion in their work, even if it’s not glamorous or particularly lucrative? This is a question that has animated Dr. Jeff Thompson’s research career. In this presentation, he will describe his study of zookeepers as an extreme example of “work as a calling,” and will share surprising findings that provide clues for everyone seeking to bring more meaning to their careers. Come prepared to reflect on your own career path, and on ways in which you might help others experience greater meaning in work and life.
BYU
Professor
Jeffery A. Thompson is Director of the Sorensen Center for Moral and Ethical Leadership and professor at Brigham Young University’s Romney Institute of Public Service and Ethics. He earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior, with an emphasis in Ethics, at the University of Minnesota in 1999. He holds a BA in Japanese as well as an MBA from Brigham Young University.
Dr. Thompson’s researc…
Jeffery A. Thompson is Director of the Sorensen Center for Moral and Ethical Leadership and professor at Brigham Young University’s Romney Institute of Public Service and Ethics. He earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior, with an emphasis in Ethics, at the University of Minnesota in 1999. He holds a BA in Japanese as well as an MBA from Brigham Young University.
Dr. Thompson’s research, published in top management and ethics journals, focuses on meaningful work and ethical dimensions of the organization-employee relationship. His study on “work as a calling” among zookeepers, published in Administrative Science Quarterly, was named Outstanding Publication in the field of Organizational Behavior by three different professional associations in 2009. Dr. Thompson is a frequent lecturer and trainer on the topics of meaningful work and business ethics. He is the author (along with colleague Stuart Bunderson) of “The Zookeeper’s Secret,” a practical Latter-day Saint guide to discover one’s calling in life.
Dr. Thompson teaches courses in organizational behavior and business ethics in the Marriott School of Business at BYU. He served as the Director of the MPA program from 2014 to 2017. He has also led graduate students on several study abroad programs to Ghana to learn from and provide training to NGO leaders.
Dr. Thompson enjoys theatre performance, racquetball, history, genealogy, literature, and travel. He and his wife Aimee are the parents of four children, ages 27 to 17, and one grandson, age 1.
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