Shows
The Management Theory ToolboxEpisode 17: Employee-Generated Learning with Kasper SpiroIn this action-packed episode of The Management Theory Toolbox, host Travis Mallett and guest Kasper Spiro, Chief Learning Strategist & Co-founder of EasyGenerator, dive deep into the paradigm shift from traditional, top‐down corporate training to a dynamic, employee generated learning (EGL) model. Discover how real-world practice, authentic peer feedback, and cutting-edge technologies like AI are transforming learning—and why “practice makes permanent” is the mantra for today’s modern workplace.Key TakeawaysPractice Over Passive Learning:Explore why hands-on practice is not just beneficial but essential, and how “p...2025-02-2628 min
The Management Theory ToolboxEpisode 16: Don't Learn Alone—How Real-Time Connection Supercharges Your Brain with Dr. Sara De FeliceKey Topics & Takeaways:Learning in a Social Context:Social vs. Solo Learning: Understand the critical differences between learning “from” others (e.g., recorded lectures) and learning “with” others (live, interactive sessions), and why the latter can boost retention and engagement. The Role of Joint Attention: Learn how simultaneous focus (e.g., both teacher and learner attending to the same object or idea) enhances brain synchrony and memory consolidation. Theoretical Perspectives:Operant Conditioning vs. Social Cognitive Theory: Explore how traditional action-consequence learning compares with social cognitive approaches where observation, anticipati...2025-02-1232 min
The Management Theory ToolboxEpisode 15: Shaping Behavior—The Unique Power of Each Reinforcement Schedule with Dr. Hank Schlinger, Jr.Ever wonder why your team behaves the way they do? In this episode of The Management Theory Toolbox, we pull back the curtain on the psychology of reinforcement schedules—techniques that could be the secret sauce to boosting your team’s motivation and performance. Whether you're looking to fine-tune your leadership style or curious about the science behind behavior, this episode is a must-listen!Episode Summary:Welcome back to The Management Theory Toolbox! I'm your host, Travis Mallett, and today, we're wrapping up our series on operant conditioning with a deep dive into the powe...2024-08-2835 min
The Management Theory ToolboxEpisode 14: Mastering Extinction: How to Stop Reinforcing Bad Behavior at Work with Dr. Michael DomjanEpisode Highlights:Introduction to the concept of extinction in behavioral psychology.Explanation of operant conditioning and its application in the workplace.Examples from "The Big Bang Theory" illustrating positive reinforcement and extinction.Detailed discussion with Dr. Michael Domjan on the process and effects of extinction.Real-world examples of applying extinction to undesirable workplace behaviors.The importance of careful implementation to avoid frustration and aggression.Key Topics:Operant Conditioning: Modifying behavior through reinforcement.Extinction: Reducing behaviors by removing positive reinforcers.Paradoxical Reward Effects: How intermittent reinforcement can lead to greater persistence.Practical Tips...2024-08-0230 min
The Management Theory ToolboxEpisode 13: How to Blame and Punish Employees Like a Pro (But Really, Don’t) with Dr. Bertram MalleKey Topics:Blame and Punishment:Examination of blame and punishment as tools for maintaining organizational balance.Discussion on the psychological and organizational impacts of these mechanisms.Norms and Behavior:Importance of norms in guiding behavior and responses to violations.Punishment should be a last resort; other corrective measures are preferable.Takeaways:Harsh punishment can be destructive and damaging to organizational climate.Punishment should be a last resort; other corrective measures should precede it.Importance of norms in governing behavior and responses to violations.Distinction between private and public...2024-07-3136 min
The Management Theory ToolboxEpisode 12: Carrots and Sticks 2.0 with Dr. Richard (Dick) MalottKey Points:Operant Conditioning and Behavior:Explore the basics of operant conditioning and its relevance to management.Discussion of Jeremy Bentham's Panopticon and its implications for behavior management.The role of observation in influencing behavior.Distinction between direct and indirect acting contingencies.Interview with Dr. Dick Malott:Background and work of Dr. Malott in behavior analysis.Consistency of operant conditioning principles across different groups (rats, students, managers, children with autism).Explanation of behavioral contingencies and categories (unlearned/learned rewards and aversive conditions).The importance of rule-governed behavior and rules that are easy...2024-07-2921 min
The Management Theory ToolboxEpisode 11: Leading Through Operant Conditioning and Evolutionary Psychology with Dr. Max KrasnowKey Discussion Points:Understanding Mechanisms for Institutional Change: How different mechanisms influence behavior and the importance of choosing the right one to avoid unintended results.Broad Definition of Learning: Learning extends beyond knowledge acquisition to include changes in behavior based on experiences.Operant Conditioning: Explanation of consequence-based learning, where behaviors are influenced by rewards or punishments.Behaviorism and Its Applications: Insights into B.F. Skinner’s behaviorism and its real-world applications, including in animal studies and human behavioral modification.Evolutionary Perspective: Discussion on how evolutionary psychology provides a br...2024-05-0834 min
The Management Theory ToolboxEpisode 10: Merging Minds—The Dance of Individual and Organizational Learning (Part 2) with Dr. James McKennaUnlock the secrets to a thriving learning culture within your organization as Dr. James McKenna peels back the layers on why traditional training methods often fall short. With a focus on creating environments where upskilling and reskilling become second nature, we engage in a dialogue that challenges the conventional wisdom on workplace learning. You'll walk away with a new perspective on the Universal Design for Learning framework and how it can revolutionize your team's growth.HBR Article: "Build a Strong Learning Culture on Your Team" by James McKennaUpskill, Reskill, Thrive: Optimizing Learning and Development in the Workplace by...2024-04-1734 min
The Management Theory ToolboxEpisode 9: Merging Minds—The Dance of Individual and Organizational Learning (Part 1) with Dr. Ryan SmerekUnlock the secrets of a thriving workplace where innovation flourishes and competitive edges are sharpened. Join us as we sit down with cognitive science aficionado Dr. Ryan Smerek to dissect the fascinating parallels between individual development and organizational evolution. We delve into the neural networks that define human learning and mirror the sophisticated adaptive systems within top-tier companies. Drawing from Dr. Smerek's expertise, we decode the cognitive science metaphors shaping our understanding of learning, from the conceptual mind as a computer to the intricate dance of intuitive and reflective thinking. This episode is your ticket to unraveling the complexities...2024-02-2828 min
The Management Theory ToolboxEpisode 8: High-Involvement Management—Beyond the Hype and into the Evidence with Dr. Alex BrysonUncover the transformative power of high involvement management as we dissect its role in shaping dynamic workplaces. Engaging employees has become an art, and with Dr. Alex Bryson at the helm of our discussion, we promise to illuminate how selective hiring, comprehensive training, and fostering autonomy can significantly impact both company performance and employee satisfaction. Yet, there's more than meets the eye in this intricate dance of management practices; we tackle the variables and complexities that make it a nuanced challenge, resisting the lure of one-size-fits-all solutions.Witness the delicate interplay of ethical and philosophical considerations in...2024-02-2132 min
The Management Theory ToolboxEpisode 7: Redefining Resource Value—Why People Matter Most in High-Involvement Management with Robert Lopez, Jr.Ready to unlock the transformative power of High Involvement Management? Prepare yourself for an intense journey through management practices that prioritize value for people and their growth. Our exploration begins with the captivating concept of organizations as living systems, akin to the intricate neural networks of the human brain. As we delve into the principles of positive organizational behavior and positive psychology, you'll encounter practical, intuitive management tools that infuse life into these systems.Dive further into the episode as we dissect the stark differences between successful and less successful management styles. How can we strike that...2024-02-1439 min
The Management Theory ToolboxEpisode 6: Trust and Triumph—The Role of Positive Psychology in Leadership with Ryan McCreedyLooking to dramatically elevate your organization’s performance metrics? Brace yourselves as we embark on a deep-dive into the riveting world of Positive Organizational Behavior (POB). We'll unravel the intriguing connection between organizational health, self-efficacy, team-efficacy, and success. Imagine your organization as a living system, needing a nurturing touch to blossom to its full potential. We explore how leaders can cultivate this environment using POB, fostering robust relationships and positive psychological capital.Let's also venture into the shadows with our guest Ryan McCreedy, a seasoned organizational effectiveness consultant and teaching fellow at Harvard University. Ever considered job sat...2024-02-0724 min
The Management Theory ToolboxEpisode 5: Unleashing the Power of Human Capital for Competitive Advantage with Dr. Ken BaylorEver thought of business strategy as just an elaborate chess match? Think again. Join us as we dive into the heart of strategy and execution, revealing the true force driving your business success: the people crafting your products and services.Step into the enlightening world of Dr. Ken Baylor, who brings to the fore the often underappreciated power of organizational behavior in sculpting a winning business strategy. Unearth the insight that a company's true pulse isn't just in its numbers, but in its vibrant culture, core values, and nimbleness. Realize the potential of organizational behavior to give...2024-01-3131 min
The Management Theory ToolboxEpisode 4: Organizational Behavior—Unlocking Workplace Dynamics with Ryan McCreedyEver wondered about the invisible threads that weave together the fabric of an organization? Today, we unravel those threads, traversing the labyrinth of Organizational Behavior (OB). Our journey maps out the bustling marketplace model, which aptly portrays an organization's vibrant dynamics, showcasing a myriad of roles and personalities that foster its spirited energy. We also delve into the three entwined strata of OB, namely individual, interpersonal, and organizational, decoding their impact on the structure, culture, and performance of an organization.What's more? We're also joined by neuroscience maestro, Ryan McCreedy. Ryan brings his expertise on the table...2024-01-2423 min
The Management Theory ToolboxEpisode 3: Navigating Complexity with Dr. Harold LangloisExperience the transformation of leadership and management with us as we trace the lineage of these concepts from the divine right of kings to the nuanced interplay of today’s corporate strategies. With the guidance of time-traveler George and insights from Dr. Harold Langlois, we dissect the evolution of command and control, scrutinizing the legacy of figures like Frederick Taylor and the impact of scientific management on our modern workplace. Delve into the fabric of management theory and unearth the significance of adapting to the living organisms that are our organizations, beyond just solving problems with pre-packaged solutions.2024-01-1728 min
The Management Theory ToolboxEpisode 2: Organizations, Emergence, and Living Systems (Part 2) with Dr. Werner van Zyl and Ryan McCreedyWhat does management theory have to do with Jurassic Park? Or quantum physics? Join Dr. Werner van Zyl and Ryan McCreedy on this episode of The Management Theory Toolbox where we explore the idea of organizations as complex adaptive systems. Not only does this open our eyes to the "matrix" of the business world, but it has profound implications for leaders who need to be prepared to iterate rapidly in today's ever-shifting landscape.Dr. Werner van Zyl [Guest], B. Comm (Hons), MBA, DBL, is highly passionate about complex systems, blending his doctoral research...2024-01-1035 min
The Management Theory ToolboxEpisode 1: Organizations, Emergence, and Living Systems (Part 1) with Kati LivingstonAre you ready to have your perspective on organizations fundamentally transformed? This episode promises to do just that as we traverse through cosmic evolution to the intricate dynamics of modern organizations. Our guest, Kati Livingston, brings her expertise in adult development and psychology, to unravel the intriguing concept of organizations as living systems, potentially the pinnacle of emergence in nature. We'll challenge your perception of organizations as a mere web of individuals and propose an alternative view of them as organic entities.Diving deeper, we unpack the profound implications of viewing organizations as living systems, illustrating its...2024-01-0332 min
The Management Theory ToolboxEpisode 0: Introduction to The Management Theory Toolbox with Ryan McCreedyImagine boldly navigating the complex world of management with a broad range of management theories at your disposal. We promise you a mind-expanding experience as we introduce The Management Theory Toolbox podcast and welcome our special guest, Ryan McCreedy, a seasoned practitioner in organizational effectiveness and doctoral candidate at William James College. This introductory episode is a deep dive into the intricacies of management theories and their real-world applications. With Ryan's expert guidance, we challenge persistent management concepts and shed light on the nature of management theory. Prepare for a thought-provoking exploration of neuroscience's relationship with organizational psychology, and...2023-12-2122 min