Robert Kazanjian
Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Organization & Management Emory University, Goizueta Business School
- Atlanta GA
Emory University, Goizueta Business School
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Biography
During his time at Goizueta, Professor Kazanjian has served in a number of senior administrative positions. From 2010-2017, he served as Vice Dean for Programs, and for part of 2014, he acted as Interim Dean. He has also served as Senior Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives (2017-2022), Founding Academic Director for the Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (2020-2022), and Senior Associate Dean for Executive Education (2002-2004) with responsibility for all non-degree programs.
He has authored a number of articles in such journals as Management Science, Strategic Management Journal, Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Review, Organization Studies and Journal of Business Venturing. He is the co-author or co-editor of two books: Strategy Implementation: Structure, Systems and Process with Jay R. Galbraith (West Publishing); and The Search for Organic Growth with Ed Hess (Cambridge University Press). During his tenure at Goizueta, he has received 17 Teaching Excellence awards from full-time, part-time and Executive MBA students.
Rob has consulted and done executive education work in the areas of strategy, strategic change, organization design and innovation with firms such as SunTrust, International Paper, Sylvamo, General Electric, General Motors, The Home Depot, Boston Scientific Corporation, Goldman Sachs, Honeywell, Singapore Airlines, IBM, Acer, Westinghouse, Abbott Labs, Exxon, Lockheed Martin, Tyco, and Siemens North America. He has regularly taught in senior executive programs across the US, as well as in Asia.
Education
Hamilton College
BA
Economics
1973
The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
MBA
Organization and Strategy
1975
The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
AM
Organization and Strategy
1979
The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
PhD
Organization and Strategy
1983
Areas of Expertise
Publications
A Commentary on Fezzey, Drnevich & Borgholthaus (2024): Connecting Activism to Organizational Purpose
Group and Organization ManagementRobert K. Kazanjian
2025-06-15
Fezzey and co-authors propose a framework for corporate activism and possible engagement strategies. In this commentary, I propose a more "purpose-centered" activism which emerges from the central tasks of the organizational and social significance of the central tasks of the organization and the work of the employees.
Creativity, Complexity and Organizational Learning: Implications For Leadership and Governance
Handbook of Research on Leadership and Creativity, Elsevier, S. Hemlin and M. D. Mumford (Eds).Robert Kazanjian
2017-01-01
Discussion of the unique leadership challenges of managing for innovation in highly complex settings.
Strategy Implementation
The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Strategic ManagementRobert K. Kazanjian
2013-01-01
Chapter provides an overview of organizational factors central to executing strategy in complex organizations
Fostering Innovation In Complex Product Development Settings: The Role of Team Member Identity And Interteam Interdependence
Journal of Product Innovation ManagementMaryAnn Glynn, Robert K. Kazanjian and Robert Drazin
2010-04-01
Much of the existing research on innovation has concentrated on the study of individuals in small group settings. However, projects marked by multiple teams, high task interdependence, long duration, and large scale have become increasingly common in practice. Very little is known about how extant research findings related to innovation may generalize to such complex settings. Taking a multilevel theoretical approach, individuals' propensity to innovate is hypothesized as the product of individuals' relationship with their work team (team member identification) and their team's relationship to other teams within the organizational system (interteam interdependence). A large, diversified manufacturing firm engaged in a multibillion dollar project that involved the development of a technologically intense, highly innovative, new product served as the research site.
The Search for Organic Growth
Cambridge University PressEdward Hess and Robert K. Kazanjian
2006-01-01
An edited volume of research by leading scholars on a range of topics central to organic growth
Multi-Level Theorizing about Creativity in Organizations: A Sensemaking Perspective
Academy of Management ReviewRobert Drazin, Mary Ann Glynn and Robert K. Kazanjian.
1999-04-01
Presents a theory of the pursuit of creativity and innovation in complex organizational settings.
The Creation of Capabilities in New Ventures: A Longitudinal Study
Organization StudiesRobert K. Kazanjian and H. Rao
1999-01-01
Using a longitudinal sample of technology based new ventures, the study investigates when and how investments are made in specialized and dedicated functional positions.
Organizing To Attain Potential Benefits From Information Asymmetries and Economies of Scope In Related Diversified Firms
Academy of Management ReviewPraveen Nayyar and Robert K. Kazanjian
1993-10-01
This article presents a unique perspective on the creation of competitive advantage in related diversified firms engaged in service businesses
Applying the Del Technique to the Analysis of Cross-Classification Data: A Test of CEO Succession and Top Management Team Development
Academy of Management JournalRobert Drazin and Robert K. Kazanjian
1993-12-01
Conducts a unique test to data related to CEO succession in high growth new ventures.
A Reanalysis of Miller and Friesen's Life Cycle Data
Strategic Management JournalRobert Drazin and Robert Drazin
1990-05-01
Reanalyzes the data from an existing study utilizing an alternative methodology to re-test the authors' life cycle model of development.
An Empirical Test of the Stage of Growth Progression Model
Management ScienceRobert K. Kazanjian and Robert Drazin
1989-12-01
This paper presents a stage of growth model for technology based new ventures that are postulated to evolve through four discrete stages of growth. Based on a longitudinal sample of 71 ventures, the hypothesis that new ventures progress according to this model is tested and is supported, although not all firms progressed as expected. These results suggest that some variation in interstage transition patterns are due to a progression imperative.
The Relation of Dominant Problems to Stage of Growth in Technology Based New Ventures: An Empirical Assessment
Academy of Management JournalRobert K. Kazanjian
1988-06-01
This paper offers one of the first empirical tests of a stage-wise model of new venture growth and development.
Implementing Internal Diversifications: Contingency Factors for Organization Design Choices
Academy of Management ReviewRobert K. Kazanjian and Robert Drazin
1987-04-01
This paper reviews the organizational design considerations relevant to firms pursuing diversification into new product/market segments via direct entry or non-acquisitive modes
Strategy Implementation: Structure, Systems, and Processes
West Publishing CompanyJay R. Galbraith and Robert K. Kazanjian
1986-01-01
This book presents a review and extension of the literature related to an organization design approach to strategy implementation
In the News
Emory student venture fund raising new generation of investors
TechCrunch online
2022-06-16
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A Fund for Underrepresented Entrepreneurs | AACSB
AACSB online
2021-12-14
MBAs at Emory get much-needed capital to businessowners who have the toughest time securing cash.
Entrepreneurs from underrepresented populations face extraordinary challenges in getting their products to market, and one of the biggest obstacles is lack of access to capital.
How Adam Neumann's Funding Compares to Underrepresented Founders - Markets Insider
Business Insider online
2022-08-23
Former WeWork CEO Adam Neumann drew a $350 million check for his yet-to-launch startup, Flow.
The news sparked discourse about the struggles of startup founders from underrepresented groups.
Goizueta Business School Launches the Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation - Metro Atlanta CEO
Metro Atlanta CEO online
2021-02-11
Emory University’s Goizueta Business School announced the opening of the Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.
