Bryan Schaffer

Biography

Dr. Bryan Schaffer, Assistant Professor of Management, started teaching at WCU in Fall 2022. He was at Florida Gulf Coast university from 2014 to 2022 as an Assistant and Associate Professor. From 2003 to 2014, Dr. Schaffer was at the University of North Carolina Asheville as an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Management and Accountancy. His teaching experience is quite extensive and includes courses in Organizational Behavior, Principles of Management, Leadership, Organizational Development & Change, Ethics & Social Responsibility, Teams, and Human Resources Management. Dr. Schaffer received a PhD in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources Management from the University of Georgia. His research interests cover an array of topics, such as workplace diversity, leadership, motivation, occupational wellness, and team dynamics. Dr. Schaffer has published in peer reviewed journals and proceedings, and has presented his work at various national academic conferences. He is a member of the Academy of Management, the American Psychological Association, and the Southern Management Association. Prior to his life in academia, Dr. Schaffer held numerous supervisory and management positions with the Pillsbury Company, Avon Products, Inc., and McMaster-Carr Supply Company.

Education

• Ph D, University of Georgia, Organizational Behavior & HRM
• MBA, Georgia State University, Management
• BSBA, University of Florida, Finance

Teaching Interests

My educational training includes a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and PhD in Management. My areas of expertise in Management are Organizational Behavior, Human Resource Management, and Strategic Management. I consider myself a social psychologist who focuses on the side of business that emphasizes interpersonal relationships in the workplace. Themes in my teaching include leadership, motivation, diversity, communication, attitudes, perception, conflict, and teams. My own personal work experience, prior to academia, has provided numerous examples that apply directly to such topics and that translate well to my pedagogy.

Research Interests

My research interests are continuously evolving. As a continuous learner in the field of Management and Organizational Behavior, I always examine new approaches to take on existing issues, and I search for new unanswered questions. That being said, there are a few research streams that I have developed over my career. These streams include diversity and inclusion, team dynamics, workplace health, and management education. My research philosophy includes remaining inquisitive and open to unique areas in management that require further investigation. I appreciate opportunities to work with colleagues on interesting projects that support my research goals.