Gretchen Spreitzer

Gretchen Spreitzer is a prominent academic in the field of management and organizations, currently serving as a Professor of Management and Organizations at the University of Michigan's Stephen M. Ross School of Business since September 2001. She holds an additional role as the Associate Dean for Corporate and Executive Development, a position she has occupied since July 2023, and previously served as the Associate Dean for Engaged Learning and Professional Development from July 2020.12

Academic Background and Research Focus

Spreitzer earned her Bachelor's degree in Systems Analysis from Miami University and completed her graduate studies at the University of Michigan. Her research primarily focuses on empowerment, leadership development, and fostering human thriving within organizations, particularly in contexts of organizational change. She is actively involved in Positive Organizational Scholarship, which seeks to understand how organizations can cultivate positive outcomes for both individuals and teams.12

Publications and Contributions

In 2023, Spreitzer co-authored two significant books:

• "How to be a Positive Leader: Small Actions, Big Impact," with Jane Dutton.
• "The Best Teacher in You: Accelerating Learning and Changing Lives," with Bob Quinn, Kate Heynoski, and Mike Thomas.1

Professional Experience

Before her tenure at the University of Michigan, Spreitzer was a professor at the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California for nearly a decade. She has also held leadership roles such as Co-Director of the Center for Positive Organizations at Michigan.1

Spreitzer's work emphasizes practical approaches to enhance leadership effectiveness and organizational health, making her a key figure in contemporary management studies.