Elijah Wee
University of Washington
Foster School of Business
“From the first 10 minutes of day one in class, I knew that I was going to love Professor Wee’s course, Leadership and Organizational Behavior. Just the way he structures his class makes it engaging and a space where students can bring their own personal experiences into the discussions. This type of energy and engagement in the classroom I feel is rare and only occurs when professors truly are an expert in the field that they are teaching, have respect and commitment toward their students and their learning, as well as I can imagine, extensive effort and planning to ensure the classes have most current research/news and reaches us students in a meaningful way.” – Vanessa Lee
Elijah Wee, 43, is Assistant Professor of Management at University of Washington Foster School of Business.
He researches strategies that empower individuals to challenge prevailing power dynamics, identify conditions conducive to destabilizing status norms within teams, and highlight processes facilitating bottom-up organizational change. He has been published in various leading management journals including the Academy of Management Journal and the Journal of Applied Psychology.
He received the Best Paper Award and the Best Paper with Practical Implications Award from the Organizational Behavior Division of the Academy of Management, the Ann G. Wylie Dissertation Fellowship, and the Smith Outstanding Dissertation Award from the University of Maryland, the S. Rains Wallace Dissertation Award and the Williams A. Owens Scholarly Achievement Award from the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
He is also on the editorial board for the Journal of Applied Psychology. He is winner of the 2020 Undergraduate Faculty of the Year Award from the Foster Undergraduate Business Council.
BACKGROUND
At current institution since what year? 2017
Education: Doctoral in Management from the University of Maryland; Bachelor of Social Sciences from the National University of Singapore
List of Undergraduate courses you teach: Leadership and Organizational Behavior
TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR
I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when … my undergraduate academic advisor told me that an Organizational Behavior program in the business school might align more closely with my interest. As I dig deeper into this domain, I am captivated by the unique role business professors play in translating research into actionable insights for an audience that directly benefits from these findings – the current and future leaders in the workplace.
What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it? I am currently immersed in research that explores the efficacy of disability simulations in the context of disability hiring initiatives. Traditionally, organizations have employed disability simulations, where employees experience physical or sensory impairments such as mobility limitations or low vision. However, our findings suggest that these simulations can inadvertently magnify the negative aspects of newly acquired impairments, fostering feelings of frustration and incompetence.
In collaboration with my coauthor, Dong Liu from Georgia Tech, we are proposing a paradigm shift towards a strength-based approach to disability. Our hypothesis is that emphasizing strengths rather than limitations can lead to more positive employee attitudes and behaviors in the context of disability hiring initiatives. We are enthusiastic about our large-scale quasi-experimental study with a prominent hotel group to test and validate our ideas.
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be … involved in policy work or photojournalism.
What do you think makes you stand out as a professor? I try to be fair and show compassion toward my students. I recognize the diverse needs of my students and make every effort to accommodate requests related to their learning or personal circumstances, fostering an atmosphere of understanding and empathy. I also strive to create a learning environment where students feel not only intellectually challenged but also encouraged to have a conversation about crucial and difficult topics. I am particularly passionate about fostering dialogues related to issues of nationality, diversity and inclusion, and power and status dynamics in the workplace.
One word that describes my first time teaching: Liberating (as a doctoral student leading a class independently)
Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor: This profession comes with distinct seasons, each presenting its own set of challenges and opportunities. Understanding that there are peaks and valleys in this profession is essential for maintaining a healthy perspective during more demanding times. I also realized that facing rejection is not only common but a natural part of the academic journey. Rejections, whether in research or professional pursuits, should be reframed as opportunities for growth and refinement. Lastly, seeking help is a demonstration of courage and self-awareness. Embracing the collective wisdom and experiences of mentors, colleagues, and students can help us enjoy success in both our careers and well-being in this demanding yet immensely rewarding profession.
Professor I most admire and why: I have great admiration for Professor Rellie Derfler-Rozin at the University of Maryland. She was one of my advisors during my doctoral program. Rellie has a unique ability to not only encourage but also inspire her students to pursue ideas, even those that may initially seem unconventional. One such idea led us on a long and winding publication journey, a collaborative effort that spanned the birth of three babies within the authorship team!
She is also an outstanding and dedicated teacher in the classroom. It is remarkable how she managed to maintain a high level of productivity across research, teaching, and service. Witnessing her balancing these aspects had been both awe-inspiring and instructional for me. I am still amazed at how she accomplishes it all.
Beyond the professional realm, I am particularly grateful for Rellie’s compassion and care during a challenging personal time. Her support was unwavering when my wife faced childbirth complications while I was navigating the job market. This experience not only showcased her genuine concern for her students’ well-being but also demonstrated the profound impact a supportive mentor can have on one’s academic and personal journey.
TEACHING BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS
What do you enjoy most about teaching business students? Business students are poised to make a meaningful impact on the workplace. They often enter the classroom with a palpable enthusiasm for making a difference in their future careers. I feel it inspiring to witness their eagerness to learn and apply knowledge.
What is most challenging? The perpetual quest to “do it all”! Balancing the demands of effective teaching preparation with the imperative of maintaining a robust research agenda presents an ongoing challenge. I am still learning how to strike the right balance between these two facets of the academic journey.
In one word, describe your favorite type of student: Engaged
In one word, describe your least favorite type of student: Close-minded
When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as … having high standards and being transparent about expectations.
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
What are your hobbies? I enjoy street photography and a game of tennis.
How will you spend your summer? We often spend time with our families in Singapore during the summer. I also try to sneak in opportunities to collaborate with Singaporean firms on research.
Favorite place(s) to vacation: We took our first Disney cruise to the Bahamas and fell in love with the idea! The magic of a Disney cruise allowed us to create lasting memories as a family of three. The Kids Club provided our daughter with captivating activities, allowing us to have a coffee date. Witnessing her excitement and joy added an extra layer of enchantment to the experience.
Favorite book(s): Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage by Haruki Murakami. The themes of reconciliation and the complex journey toward understanding oneself resonate deeply with me.
What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much? One of my all-time favorite series is “Community”. I absolutely adore the chemistry and quirkiness between Troy and Abed. I also enjoyed Disney’s “Elemental” with my family. I identify with the key themes of immigration and cultural assimilation in the story.
What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why? That depends on the activity – alternative rock when I am driving, Apple Music Chill playlist when I am working, and Mandopop when I am winding down.
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this … forging deeper and more meaningful collaborations with non-profit and government agencies. This is a direct way for business schools to contribute to social impact and community development. I believe that this collaboration not only enriches the diverse learning needs of students but also aligns with the growing demand for socially responsible and purpose-driven business practices.
In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at … conveying authentic compassion to their employees, particularly during challenging circumstances. When faced with adversity or pressure, the true character of an organization is revealed through its commitment to employee well-being.
I’m grateful for … the unwavering support of my wife, Betty. She made numerous professional and personal sacrifices that allowed me to pursue this academic journey. Additionally, my gratitude extends to our daughter, Charlotte, who never fails to challenge the status quo at home!
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