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Professor Eugene Sadler-Smith

Professor of Organizational Behaviour

Qualifications: B.Sc. Ph.D. FRSA FCIPD

Email:
Phone: Work: 01483 68 3101
Room no: 55 MS 03

Office hours

Office hours: Tuesdays, 11.00-13.00; Wednesdays, 11.00-13.00. Please e-mail to book an appointment or drop by.

Further information

Biography

I'm Professor of Organizational Behaviour in the Surrey Business School, University of Surrey.

After seven years working in the human resource development (HRD) function of British Gas plc (during which time I completed my Ph.D. on part-time basis at the University of Birmingham, 1988-1992 under the supervision of Dr. R.J. Riding) I became a university lecturer in 1994 (Plymouth Business School, University of Plymouth, where from 2001-2003 I was Associate Dean for Research).

I joined the University of Surrey in December 2003.

I've published my research in journals such as the Academy of Management Executive, Academy of Management Learning and Education, British Journal of Psychology, Journal of Occupational & Organizational Psychology, British Journal of Educational Psychology, Long Range Planning, International Small Business Journal, Journal of Small Business Management, Management Learning, Journal of Organizational Behavior, Organization Studies, British Journal of Management, Personality and Individual Differences, Learning and Individual Differences, etc.

I'm joint Editor-in-Chief of Management Learning.

I'm the author of a number of books: Learning and Development for Managers (Blackwell, 2006), Learning in Organisations (with Peter J. Smith, Routledge, 2006), Inside Intuition (Routledge, 2008) and The Intuitive Mind: profiting from the power of your sixth sense (John Wiley and Sons, 2010).  The Intuitive Mind was short-listed for the CMI Management Book of the Year Awards 2011 (Mintzberg's Managing was the winning title) and is currently being translated into Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (for publication in Brazil), and Russian.  My work on intuition has appeared in The Times newspaper and on BBC Radio 4.

Research Interests

My research interests at the moment are centred on the role of intuitive judgement in management decision making and management development.  I also have a long standing interest in cognitive styles and how these relate to individual differences in managerial cognition and behaviour in a variety of contexts (including entrepreneurship and small business management, management learning, management education and leadership).

I welcome inquiries and proposals for research on any aspect of intuition in organizations.  If you have a proposal in this or a related area please email me.

Publications

Journal articles

  • Akinci C, Sadler-Smith E. (2013) 'Assessing Individual Differences in Experiential (Intuitive) and Rational (Analytical) Cognitive Styles'. International Journal of Selection and Assessment,
  • Armstrong SJ, Cools E, Sadler-Smith E. (2012) 'Role of Cognitive Styles in Business and Management: Reviewing 40 Years of Research'. International Journal of Management Reviews, 14 (3), pp. 238-262.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2370.2011.00315.x
  • Chaston I, Sadler-Smith E, Chaston I, Sadler-Smith E. (2012) 'Entrepreneurial Cognition, Entrepreneurial Orientation and Firm Capability in the Creative Industries'. British Journal of Management, 23 (3), pp. 415-432.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8551.2011.00752.x
  • Sadler-Smith E. (2012) 'Before Virtue: Biology, Brain, Behavior, and the "Moral Sense"'. PHILOSOPHY DOCUMENTATION CENTER BUSINESS ETHICS QUARTERLY, 22 (2), pp. 351-376.
    doi: 10.5840/beq201222223
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/192990/
  • Cunliffe A, Sadler-Smith E. (2012) 'Dispelling a management learning myth'. Management Learning, 43 (1), pp. 3-4.
    doi: 10.1177/1350507611435443
  • Akinci C, Sadler-Smith E. (2012) 'Intuition in Management Research: A Historical Review'. Wiley International Journal of Management Reviews, 14 (1), pp. 104-122.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2370.2011.00313.x
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/181471/

    Abstract

    In this historical review we chart the progress of intuition research over the past eight decades. We highlight the distinction between intuition research in management and intuition research in base disciplines and related fields, and offer a critical commentary on the ways in which the dynamic between these two historical threads has affected progress in the study of intuition in organizations. We conclude by identifying several promising new directions for intuition research, and offer a number of recommendations to intuition researchers in management which may help in taking this topic forward in ways that do not recapitulate previous errors, diversions or digressions.

  • Armstrong SJ, Cools E, Sadler-Smith E. (2011) 'Role of Cognitive Styles in Business and Management: Reviewing 40 Years of Research'. International Journal of Management Reviews,
    doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2370.2011.00315.x
  • Sadler-Smith E. (2011) 'The intuitive style: Relationships with local/global and verbal/visual styles, gender, and superstitious reasoning'. Learning and Individual Differences, 21 (3), pp. 263-270.
    doi: 10.1016/j.lindif.2010.11.013
  • Gore J, Sadler-Smith E. (2011) 'Unpacking Intuition: A Process and Outcome Framework'. Review of General Psychology, 15 (4), pp. 304-316.
    doi: 10.1037/a0025069
  • Cunliffe AL, Sadler-Smith E. (2011) 'Imagination, distinctiveness, and thought-provocation'. Management Learning, 42 (1), pp. 3-5.
    doi: 10.1177/1350507610395696
  • Hensman A, Sadler-Smith E. (2011) 'Intuitive decision making in banking and finance'. European Management Journal, 29 (1), pp. 51-66.
    doi: 10.1016/j.emj.2010.08.006
  • Cunliffe A, Sadler-Smith E. (2010) 'Continuing to be different'. Management Learning, 41 (1), pp. 3-5.
    doi: 10.1177/1350507609352716
  • Mavor P, Sadler-Smith E, Gray DE. (2010) 'Teaching and learning intuition: Some implications for HRD and coaching practice'. Journal of European Industrial Training, 34 (8), pp. 822-838.
    doi: 10.1108/03090591011080995
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/7883/

    Abstract

    Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine conceptual and theoretical links between intuition and coaching; investigate accomplished coaches' practical experiences of intuition; identify skill set of an intuitive coach; discuss implications of findings for coaches', HRD professionals', and line managers' learning and development. Design/methodology/approach: In-depth, semi-structured, individual interviews with 14 accomplished experienced executive coaches (eight males and six females) averaging 14.5 years as a coach. Findings: Outline of core attributes of an intuitive coach. Originality/value: Immersion in experience, a reflective approach to practice, effective feedback and supervision, and attending to personal well-being are likely to enable coaches, HRD practitioners and line managers to take a more informed and intelligent approach to "going with their gut" in coaching and other situations where inter- and intra-personal awareness are important. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

  • Blackman D, Sadler-Smith E. (2009) 'The Silent and the Silenced in Organizational Knowing and Learning'. Management Learning, 40 (5), pp. 569-585.
    doi: 10.1177/1350507609340809
  • Sadler-Smith E. (2009) 'Fostering intuition in management education: Activities and resources'. Journal of Management Education, 33 (2), pp. 239-262.
    doi: 10.1177/1052562907310640
  • Sadler-Smith E, Burke LA, Sadler-Smith E. (2009) 'Fostering intuition in management education: Activities and resources'. Journal of Management Education, 33 (2), pp. 239-262.
    doi: 10.1177/1052562907310640
  • Hodgkinson GP, Sadler-Smith E, Burke LA, Claxton G, Sparrow PR. (2009) 'Intuition in Organizations: Implications for Strategic Management'. PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD LONG RANGE PLANNING, 42 (3), pp. 277-297.
    doi: 10.1016/j.lrp.2009.05.003
  • Hodgkinson GP, Sadler-Smith E, Sinclair M, Ashkanasy NM. (2009) 'More than meets the eye? Intuition and analysis revisited'. PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES, 47 (4), pp. 342-346.
    doi: 10.1016/j.paid.2009.03.025
  • Sadler-Smith E. (2008) 'Intuition: A fundamental bridging construct in the behavioural sciences'. BRITISH PSYCHOLOGICAL SOC British Journal of Psychology, 99 (1), pp. 1-27.
    doi: 10.1348/000712607X216666
  • Sadler-Smith E. (2008) 'Learning on demand, at your own pace, and in rapid bite sized chunks: The future shape of management development?'. Academy of Management Learning and Education, 7 (4)
    doi: 10.5465/AMLE.2008.35882197
  • Gold J, Thorpe R, Woodall J, Sadler-Smith E. (2007) 'Continuing professional development in the legal profession - A practice-based learning perspective'. Management Learning, 38 (2), pp. 235-250.
    doi: 10.1177/1350507607075777
  • Smith PJ, Sadler-Smith E, Robertson I, Wakefield L. (2007) 'Leadership and learning: Facilitating self-directed learning in enterprises'. Journal of European Industrial Training, 31 (5), pp. 324-335.
    doi: 10.1108/03090590710756783
  • Sadler-Smith E, Shefy E. (2007) 'Developing intuitive awareness in management education'. Academy of Management Learning and Education, 6 (2), pp. 186-205.
  • Spicer DP, Sadler-Smith E. (2006) 'Organizational learning in smaller manufacturing firms'. SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD International Small Business Journal, 24 (2), pp. 133-158.
    doi: 10.1177/0266242606061836
  • Shefy E, Sadler-Smith E. (2006) 'Applying holistic principles in management development'. Journal of Management Development, 25 (4), pp. 368-385.
    doi: 10.1108/02621710610655837
  • Leybourne S, Sadler-Smith E. (2006) 'The role of intuition and improvisation in project management'. International Journal of Project Management, 24 (6), pp. 483-492.
    doi: 10.1016/j.ijproman.2006.03.007
  • Evans C, Sadler-Smith E, Evans C, Sadler-Smith E, Sadler-Smith E. (2006) 'Learning styles in education and training: Problems, politicisation and potential'. Education and Training, 48 (2-3), pp. 77-83.
    doi: 10.1108/00400910610651728
  • Burke LA, Sadler-Smith E. (2006) 'Instructor intuition in the educational setting'. ACAD MANAGEMENT Academy of Management Learning and Education, 5 (2), pp. 169-181.
  • Sadler-Smith E. (2005) 'Psychology and the music of Michael Tippett'. BRITISH PSYCHOLOGICAL SOC Psychologist, 18 (10), pp. 592-592.
  • Spicer DP, Sadler-Smith E. (2005) 'An examination of the general decision making style questionnaire in two UK samples'. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 20 (2), pp. 137-149.
    doi: 10.1108/02683940510579777
  • Sadler-Smith E, Shefy E. (2004) 'The intuitive executive: Understanding and applying 'gut feel' in decision-making'. ACAD MANAGEMENT Academy of Management Executive, 18 (4), pp. 76-91.
  • Sadler-Smith E, Smith PJ. (2004) 'Strategies for accommodating individuals' styles and preferences in flexible learning programmes'. BLACKWELL PUBL LTD British Journal of Educational Technology, 35 (4), pp. 395-412.
  • Sadler-Smith E. (2004) 'Cognitive style and the management of small and medium-sized enterprises'. Organization Studies, 25 (2), pp. 155-181.
    doi: 10.1177/0170840604036914

Conference papers

  • Akinci C, Sadler-Smith E. (2012) 'Intuition and Organizational Learning: An Empirical Extension and Elaboration of the 4I Framework'. Cardiff, UK: British Academy of Management
  • Akinci C, Sadler-Smith E. (2012) 'Intuition and Organizational Learning: Empirical Investigation and Elaboration of the 4I Framework'. Boston, USA: Academy of Management
  • Akinci C, Sadler-Smith E. (2011) 'Rational-Experiential Processing: Unitary-versus-Dual, and Ability/Engagement Distinctions'. San Antonio, USA: Academy of Management
  • Akinci C, Sadler-Smith E. (2010) 'Intuition in Management: Historical-Thematic Review'. Sheffield, UK: British Academy of Management
  • Akinci C, Sadler-Smith E. (2010) 'Intuition and Organizational Learning'. Boston, USA: International Conference on Organizational Learning, Knowledge and Capabilities
  • Akinci C, Sadler-Smith E. (2009) 'Hit or Miss?: The Role of Intuition in Decision Making'. Brighton, UK: British Academy of Management
  • Akinci C, Sadler-Smith E. (2009) 'Unpacking Intuition: A Historical and Thematic Review, 1938-2008'. Chicago, USA: Academy of Management
  • Costanzo LA, Akinci C, Sadler-Smith E. (2008) 'The Role of Intuitive Judgement in Strategic Decision Making'. Harrogate, UK: British Academy of Management Conference
  • Akinci C, Costanzo LA, Sadler-Smith E. (2008) 'The Role of Intuitive Judgement in Strategic Decision Making'. Harrogate, UK: British Academy of Management
  • Johan N, Tribe J, Sadler-Smith E. (2008) 'Travel, Transitions and Transformations: the Role of Gap Year Travel (GYT) in Young People’s Learning and Personal Transformation'. Glasgow, U.K.: CHME Conference
  • Johan N, Tribe J, Sadler-Smith E. (2008) 'Gap Year Travel: In the Gappers’ Own Words'. Shimla, India: ATLAS Conference
  • Johan N, Tribe J, Sadler-Smith E. (2008) 'Mobilities and Transitions and Transformations: the role of Gap Year Travel (GYT)'. Harrogate, U.K.: BAM Conference

Books

  • Sadler-Smith E. (2009) The Intuitive Mind. Chichester : John Wiley and Sons/Jossey-Bass
  • Sadler-Smith E. (2008) Inside Intuition. Abingdon : Routledge
  • Sadler-Smith E. (2006) Learning and development for managers: Perspectives from Research and Practice. Wiley-Blackwell
  • Smith PJ, Sadler-Smith E. (2006) Learning in organizations: Complexities and Diversities. Taylor & Francis

Book chapters

  • Sadler-Smith E. (2009) 'A duplex model of cognitive style'. in Sternberg RJ, Zhang LF (eds.) Perspectives on the Nature of Individual Differences Boston : Springer
  • Sadler-Smith E. (2009) 'Cognitive styles and learning strategies in management education'. in Armstrong SJ, Fukami C (eds.) The Sage Handbook of Management Learning, Education and Development Los Angeles : Sage , pp. 301-324.
  • Sadler-Smith E. (2009) 'Intuitive intelligence'. in Gold J, Mumford A, Thorpe R (eds.) The Gower Handbook of Management and Leadership Development Aldershot : Gower
  • Sadler-Smith E, Sinclair M, Hodgkinson GP. (2008) 'The role of intuition in strategic decision making'. in McKay RB, Costanzo LA (eds.) The Handbook of Research on Strategy and Foresight Cheltenham : Edward Elgar , pp. 393-417.
  • Sadler-Smith E, Sparrow PR. (2008) 'Intuition in Organisational Decision-Making'. in Hodgkinson GP, Starbuck WH (eds.) The Oxford handbook of organizational decision making Oxford University Press, USA , pp. 305-324.
  • Sadler-Smith E. (2008) 'A matter of feeling? The role of intuition in entrepreneurial decision making and behaviour'. in Ashkanasy NM, Zerbe WJ, Hartel CJ (eds.) Research on Emotion in Organisations: Volume 4, emotions, ethics and decision-making Bingley : JAI Press 4, pp. 35-55.
  • Sadler-Smith E, Lean J. (2007) 'The practice of human resource development (HRD) in smaller firms'. in Stewart B, Stewart J, Beaver G (eds.) Human Resource Development in Small Organisations London : Routledge , pp. 124-148.
  • Sadler-Smith E. (2001) 'Self-perception of team-roles: some implications for business and management'. in Riding RJ, Rayner S, Rayner SG (eds.) International Perspectives on Individual Differences (2): Self-Perception Praeger Publishers , pp. 101-132.
  • Sadler-Smith E. (2000) 'Cognitive style and learning in organisations'. in Riding RJ, Rayner S (eds.) International Perspectives on Individual Differences (1): Cognitive Styles Ablex Publishing Corporation

Teaching

I teach the Human Resource Development (HRD) module on the M.Sc. Human Resource Management (HRM), and am the module leader for the 'Management and Organizational Learning Development' and 'Intuition in Management Practice' modules on the Surrey MBA. I also teach on the Level 2 undergraduate module 'Managing People in Context'.

Affiliations

I'm a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (FCIPD)

Editorial Responsibilities

Joint Editor-in-Chief: Management Learning http://mlq.sagepub.com/

Member of the International Editorial Board: Academy of Management Learning and Education

Member of the Editorial Advisory Board: Journal of Management Education

Member of the Editorial Advisory Board: Human Resource Development International

Member of the Editorial Advisory Board: Journal of European Industrial Training

Consulting Editor: International Journal of Management Reviews