Lisa M. LeslieView profile
Professor
Lisa M. Leslie is a Professor of Management and Organizations at the Leonard N. Stern School of Business, New York University, where she has been a faculty member since 2013. She previously served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. Her research focuses on diversity, social justice, and organizational behavior, with particular interest in how diversity ideologies and communication shape workplace inclusion and performance. Ph.D., Organizational Psychology, University of Maryland M.A., Organizational Psychology, University of Maryland A.B., Social Psychology, Princeton University Professor Leslie’s research explores the complexities of diversity in organizations, including the unintended consequences of diversity initiatives, the impact of diversity rhetoric on employee engagement, and the interplay between gender, ethnicity, and workplace outcomes. She investigates how framing diversity as a challenge to be overcome—rather than a guaranteed benefit—can lead to greater employee effort and inclusion. Her work bridges theory and practice, offering actionable insights for leaders committed to equity. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on diversity communication, work-life policies, and the performance implications of ethnic and gender diversity. Themes across her work include the tension between moral and business cases for diversity, the role of leadership messaging, and the structural barriers that affect equity. Her research often employs meta-analytic and multilevel methods to uncover robust patterns across organizations. Outstanding Publication Award Finalist, AOM-OB Division (2021) Sage Award for Enduring Scholarly Contributions to the Field, AOM-GDO Division (2021) Fellow, Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (2020) Top 40 Most Outstanding MBA Professors under 40, Poets & Quants (2017) William A. Owens Scholarly Achievement Award, SIOP (2014) Lisa Leslie has advised numerous co-authors and emerging scholars in organizational behavior and diversity research. While specific PhD advisees are not listed, her collaborative work with researchers like Charles F. Manchester, Elizabeth Flynn, and Dana M. Mayer suggests an active mentoring role. She has received multiple research grants and awards supporting her work on diversity, inclusion, and organizational performance. Her research has been supported by institutional funding at NYU Stern and recognition from top academic associations. Professor Leslie is affiliated with leading research communities in industrial-organizational psychology and management, including the Academy of Management and the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology. She contributes to editorial boards and is recognized for her peer review excellence, having received Reviewer of the Year awards. Her work is frequently featured in academic and practitioner outlets, reflecting her dual impact on scholarship and organizational practice.








