Robert J. Lahm, Jr., Ph.D.

Biography

Dr. Lahm holds both his Ph.D. and M.S. Degrees in Human Resource Development with focus on organizational work cultures, leadership, and change, which he earned from Georgia State University. He completed his B.S. in Management Science at Kean University.<br> <br>He has published over 70 scholarly journal articles or conference proceedings. He was invited to testify for a hearing before the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Small Business, in Washington, DC (2008) based on his research on areas associated with entrepreneurial bootstrapping — starting a business with little or no capital. His additional advocacy work has been noted by <i>Business Week,</i> <i>The Wall Street Journal,</i> <i>The New York Times</i>, <i>Columbia Journalism Review</i> (and other media sources as well as the blogosphere).<br> <br>Dr. Lahm began his professional career by honing an array of skills in advertising, public relations, and research related positions. He has also founded entrepreneurial ventures such as Lahm & Associates, Inc., a marketing firm he started from scratch in 1988 — beginning with no capital, clients, or creative portfolio.<br> <br>Dr. Lahm’s accomplishments have been recognized through numerous nominations and awards received. Awards include the College of Business <i>Graduate Teaching Award</i> (2011 and 2018), an <i>Outstanding Educator Award for Innovative and Creative Teaching</i> through The Academy of Educational Leadership (2011), and the <i>Board of Governor’s Creative and Innovative Teaching Award</i> (2009, 2012 and 2014). His scholarship has been recognized through the College of Business <i>Excellence in Research Award</i> (2016) and an<i> Outstanding Achievement in Service Learning Research Award</i> (2018).

Education

• Ph D, Georgia State University, Human Resource Development
• MS, Georgia State University, Human Resource Development
• BS, Kean University, Management Science

Teaching Interests

Dr. Lahm has taught subjects such as organizational change, management of technology and innovation, innovation leadership, advertising and marketing management, strategy, and entrepreneurship. His teaching has entailed both the graduate and undergraduate courses. While at Western Carolina University, where he achieved the rank of (full) Professor, he also served as Director of its Master of Innovation Leadership & Entrepreneurship Degree Program for the five-year period between January 2015 and January 2020.

Research Interests

Dr. Lahm’s research focus concerns issues affecting entrepreneurs and environmental factors that are also of great relevance, such as, bootstrapping, perils, and public policy (and therefore the economy). Whether organizations succeed, or fail, via adjusting their own internal processes, technologies and work cultures in relation to their operating environments is also implicated.

Curriculum Vitae