Timothy Kundro
University of North Carolina
Kenan-Flagler Business School
“Professor Kundro has found what seems like the impossible balance between being a respected professor that encourages students to think deeply, and being a relatable mentor that is willing and eager to offer advice on topics that may have nothing to do with class content. Tim made even the most difficult of philosophical theory into interesting and digestible content through his casual and approachable demeanor, his use of humor, and exciting classroom exercises – from going out of his way to obtain a hilarious Cameo from the subject of one of our case studies, to offering a personal donation to the community organization pitched by the winning group of students in an activity, to encouraging us to fight back on theories we didn’t agree with. His skill for teaching became especially apparent as I began to notice myself considering questions he had posed in a lecture days, even weeks later, and engaging in passionate debates with friends over concepts introduced to me in class.” – Anna Blythe
Timothy Kundro, 29, is Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior at University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School.
His research focuses on the complexities of morality and ethics at work. In particular, he investigates how employees respond to and manage (im)moral issues in the workplace.
His research has been published in Academy of Management Journal, Journal of Applied Psychology, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes and Psychological Science. It has been featured in outlets such as Harvard Business Review, NPR and Scientific American.
He has partnered with public, private and federal organizations to conduct his research. He has also served as an expert witness.
BACKGROUND
At current institution since what year? 2022
Education: BS in psychology from Penn State; PhD in management from Wharton
List of Undergraduate courses you teach: Business Ethics, Organizational Behavior
TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR
I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when …. I really enjoyed research as an undergrad and wanted some sort of career that let me use the scientific method and analytics to address interesting problems. After a few internships, I was still the most excited about the options a business school PhD presented.
What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it? I’m interested in how people handle morally challenging situations within organizations. Some of my work has looked at how people can advocate for moral issues without facing pushback. Other work I’ve done has shown that moral concerns can be a key driver of creativity and innovation. Recently I’ve done work looking at how delays in sentencing criminals can lead to harsher sentences. So, broadly, I’m hoping to better understand challenges – but also benefits – that arise when employees and leaders are faced with these situations.
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be … I originally thought I would study environmental science; many of those careers still sound really exciting and interesting.
What do you think makes you stand out as a professor? I try to keep the content as relevant and applicable for students as possible. I’ve worked with students to build out new cases on current issues (i.e., Theranos, Uber, Fyre Festival) which I think makes the lessons a bit more engaging and impactful.
One word that describes my first time teaching: Exciting
Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor: I think it’s really easy to get tunnel vision and see the field and career through a single dimension. I’ve realized now how much you can craft this career to your strengths and interests.
Professor I most admire and why: I think what’s great about this field and career is that it usually isn’t about one professor. In undergrad, Alicia Grandey, Sam Hunter and Rick Jacobs set me on the path to grad school. In my PhD, Adam Grant, Nancy Rothbard and Samir Nurmohamed were incredible mentors. I like to think that I’ve taken lessons from each of them for both teaching and research.
TEACHING BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS
What do you enjoy most about teaching business students? I’ve had the opportunity to teach some of the best students in the country at both Notre Dame and UNC. They’re motivated, inquisitive and interested in tackling big problems.
What is most challenging? Students are under a lot of pressure, which can make learning challenging. I know I felt the same when I was an undergrad. So, I think as a professor it’s on you to design a class that is rigorous and challenging – but is molded around the student experience.
In one word, describe your favorite type of student: Proactive
In one word, describe your least favorite type of student: I don’t love this question, but I’ll go with not-proactive.
When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as … I hope fair
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
What are your hobbies? I love to mountain bike and whitewater kayak.
How will you spend your summer? I have a few research and applied projects I’m working on that I’m really excited to push forward.
Favorite place(s) to vacation: Western North Carolina
Favorite book(s): “Think Again” and “Moneyball”
What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much? “The Office” has given me countless clips for class.
What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why? I grew up listening to (too much) punk rock, but I probably listen to more indie rock these days.
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this …I think many of the lessons we teach are applicable to the general undergrad population. Many students have the perception that business programs are training students for jobs in finance or consulting – and there’s certainly some truth to that – but I also think many of the approaches to critical thinking, answering questions, and solving problems are applicable to students who have other interests. Frankly, nearly everyone who graduates from undergrad is going to go on to work in some form of organization. So, finding ways to teach these lessons to a broader population would be beneficial.
In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at … I’ve seen that many organizations are after “quick fixes” to really big problems. Unfortunately, and perhaps especially when it comes to management problems, research from the past few years suggests that these quick fixes aren’t really that beneficial – or can even backfire in certain cases. So, I’m hoping organizations can recalibrate and recommit to how they approach some of the pressing issues they’re facing.
I’m grateful for … I have fantastic colleagues at UNC Kenan-Flagler – from faculty to undergraduate students and PhD students, to the undergrad research assistants I work with. I’m incredibly fortunate.
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