Research InterEsts

I am interested in the role of systems in the workplace. This includes systems thinking, chaos and complexity theory, cybernetics, and general systems theory; as well as Bowens Family Systems Theory and Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Model. I am interested in systems as they relate to employee well being and other psychological constructs as well as leadership/management. My research has focused on systems for leadership coaching - coaching leaders and for leaders coaching employees. 

Relevant Research

Harris, A. (2024). Systems and systems theory for coaching leaders and organizations. In A. Wefald (Ed). Critical perspectives on the intersections of coaching and leadership. Idea Group Publishing.

Remote work became mainstream with COVID-19, but many of us worked remotely for years before this. I am interested in the leadership/management of remote workers, as well as work-life balance. Remote work provides benefits and drawbacks for both businesses and individuals.

Relevant Research

Harris, A. (2025, April). Leadership in the Age of Remote Work: Trends, Themes, and Future Directions. Business Research Consortium 2025, Virtual.

While celebrities have built personal brands, until relatively recently individuals focused primarily on their reputation and good name and the legacy they might leave. Individuals are creating and promoting their own brand more and more.

Whether in the workplace or an academic classroom, I am fascinated by how people learn and develop.

Relevant Research

Harris, A. (2025). Locus of control in eLearning in higher education. Special Issue: ABCs of Online Teaching and Learning.

Levin, M., Streit, M., & Harris, A. (2025). Using video feedback to create faculty presence in the virtual classroom. In L. Doyle & T Tarbutton (Ed). Best practices and strategies for online instructors: Insights from higher education online faculty. Idea Group Publishing.

Harris, A. (2024). Systems and systems theory for coaching leaders and organizations. In A. Wefald (Ed). Critical perspectives on the intersections of coaching and leadership. Idea Group Publishing.

Cawthon, S., Harris, A., & Jones, R. (2010). Cognitive apprenticeship in an online research lab for graduate students in psychology. International Journal of Web-Based Learning and Teaching Technologies, 5, 1-15.

Cawthon, S. & Harris, A. (2008). Developing a community of practice: The role of sociology in learning and team development. In Orvis, K. & Lassiter, A. (Eds). Computer supported collaborative learning: Best practices and principles for instructors. Hershey, PA: Idea Group Publishing. 

Harris, A., Cawthon, S., & Jones, R. (2005, November). The use of the asynchronous learning environment as a cognitive apprenticeship tool for adult learners. Proceedings for the Annual Conference for the American Association of Adult and Continuing Education, Pittsburg, PA.

Relevant Research:

Harris, A., & Speights, E. (2024). Adjunct participation in governance from Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems perspective. In T. Tarbutton & L. Doyle (Eds). Adjunct faculty in online higher education: Best practices for teaching adult learners. Idea Group Publishing. 

Speights, E., & Harris, A. (2024). Pull up a chair: Making room at the table for adjunct faculty. In T. Tarbutton & L. Doyle (Eds). Adjunct faculty in online higher education: Best practices for teaching adult learners. Idea Group Publishing.