William A. Pasmore: Navigating between academy and industry - designing and leading change

Abstract

William "Bill" A. Pasmore's journey to date is all about the joy of navigating between academy and industry. Since completing his B.S.I.M at Purdue University in 1973, he held positions and had appointments in both universities and firms. As this chapter is written, Bill holds a professor of practice, organization, and leadership appointment at Teachers College, Columbia University, and senior vice president and advisor to CEOs, boards, and executive team position at the Center for Creative Leadership. Bill is recognized by scholars and practitioners alike for his continuous contributions. His contributions during the past four decades to the field of organizational science, applied behavioral science, and managerial practice are both extensive and deep. The first book that he co-edited with Jack Sherwood Sociotechnical Systems: A Sourcebook (1978) was one of the first books to clearly define the field of sociotechnical systems. In 1988 and 1994 he further advanced his contribution to sociotechnical system theory and practice by completing two books titled Designing Effective Organization: The Sociotechnical System Perspective and Creating Strategic Change: Designing the Flexible Hugh-Performing Organization. The annual volumes Research in Organization Change and Research that were co-edited by Bill and Dick Woodman (the first volume was published in 1987) established a special platform for scholars, practitioners, and scholar-practitioners to share new thought-provoking research-based insights that continue today (with Volume 25 planned to be published in 2017). He continued his contribution by serving as the editor for the Journal of Applied Behavioral Science 2011-2016. Bill has devoted the last forty years to studying change, assisting with change, and leading change in organizations as a scholar-practitioner. This manuscript captures Bill's past and present trajectory with some promising future milestones as he continues to navigate in the borderland of academy and industry.