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Adam Kassab
Discipline:
Organizational Behavior and HRM
Courses:
Organizational Behavior and Leadership
Power and Influence
Education:
Bachelors degree, History & Philosophy of Science and Philosophy, University of Leeds (UK); Masters Degree, International Resources and Development Studies, University of Leeds (UK); Masters Degree, Organization Change, Ashridge Management Center (UK); Doctoral Research, Hitotsubashi University (JPN)
Biography:
Dr. Kassab has extensive business experience across Asia as well as in Europe and the USA. He has held senior positions at Sanyo Electric, a global Japanese electronics manufacturer, Mercer, a US based global HR Consulting firm, and most recently at Culture Convenience Club, the dominant Japanese player in the consumer entertainment and lifestyle sector. His work has ranged from facilitating European wide strategic planning sessions aimed at exploring synergies and enhancing competitiveness, developing ways to internationalize and globalize business operations, and implementing change programs for overseas subsidiaries. As well has his strong professional background he also recently completed doctoral research looking into the use of Stories and Storytelling in Organizations as a tool for inspiring employees and bringing about visionary change.
Faculty Message:
It's really inspiring for me to share in the rich diversity of experience and backgrounds of the students attending GLOBIS. The "case method" offers a powerful way to tap into this diversity and bring out differences of opinions, understanding, interpretations and points of view. It often feels like real knowledge is being created during the classes as we explore together each other's ideas and opinions. With no "right" or "wrong" answers, the challenge is the same as in real life. We have to develop our own thinking and decide what makes sense for us and the best way forward. It is really rewarding for me when students say that they are able to apply what they learn and study in their work or private lives and see positive results. I’m looking forward to welcoming you to classes on Organization Behavior and Leadership and also Power and Influence.
On another note, my own Doctoral research at Hitotsubashi University (School of International Corporate Strategy), focused on an innovative approach to understanding and working to change organizations. I developed a unique process using “stories” and “storytelling” as a unit of analysis. The approach has three steps. First is to uncover what I call the “foundation story” of a company. This is the deep and hidden storyline that guides and influences everyone’s thinking. The second step is to take this foundation story and turn it into a living play that is performed by either actors or company employees. The third part is the actual performance where the play is acted out “live” and employees experience the play. As they experience the play, employees can actually interact with the actors to change how the story unfolds. This is the transformative part of the process. I have used the approach a few times on real companies and it has shown itself to be very powerful. Working with STORY enables the emotional life of organizations to become center stage which I think is something missing from so many other approaches to change. I’m happy to talk anytime so if you want to know more let me know !
