Gregory Dess

Gregory Dess is a full Professor and holds the Andrew R. Cecil Endowed Chair in Applied Ethics at the Naveen Jindal School of Management, University of Texas at Dallas. He has held visiting professorships at institutions including Dartmouth College, Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Xi'an Jiaotong University, reflecting his international academic influence.

His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Business Administration from the University of Washington (1980), an MBA from Georgia State University (1976), and a B.I.E. from Georgia Institute of Technology (1971).

Dr. Dess’s research centers on strategic management, entrepreneurship, and knowledge management, with a growing focus on international business contexts, particularly in China and emerging economies. His work explores strategic leadership, organizational capabilities, venture capital, and the dynamics of informal networks such as guanxi. He has made seminal contributions to understanding entrepreneurial risk, strategic flexibility, and the research-practice gap in management.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a consistent trajectory in strategic and entrepreneurial research, blending theoretical depth with practical implications. They span topics from IPO underpricing and real options to knowledge transfer in high-tech firms and middle management’s role in strategy. The recurring themes include decision-making under uncertainty, network dynamics, and the integration of ethics and strategy.

His scientific awards include:

• Outstanding Foundational Paper Award, Academy of Management (2009)
• Honorary Doctorate (to be conferred), University of Bern (2009)
• Best Reviewer Award, Management and Organization Review (2004–2008)
• McGraw-Hill Irwin’s First Edition Book of the Year (2003)
• Distinguished Scholar Award, Southwest Academy of Management

Dr. Dess has served on the editorial boards of premier journals such as Strategic Management Journal, Journal of Management Studies, and Journal of Business Venturing. He has advised numerous doctoral students, including Haibin Yang, Mine Ozer, and Yasu Yamakawa. His research has been supported through academic appointments and endowed chairs, though specific grant details are not listed. He has been an active participant in symposia at Academy of Management meetings, contributing to pedagogical innovation and leadership discourse.

He is affiliated with research networks focusing on global strategy and management, and his work continues to influence both academic scholarship and management practice.