Ayana Younge

Ayana Younge is an Assistant Professor of Business Administration in the Leadership and Organizational Behavior area at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. She holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and multiple degrees in psychology and communication.

Education:

• B.A. in Psychology and Communication, California State University, Los Angeles
• M.S. in Social Psychology, California State University, Los Angeles
• M.S. in Management, Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior, Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Dr. Younge's research focuses on the role of emotions—especially gratitude—in shaping interpersonal relationships and perceptions within organizational hierarchies. She investigates how emotional expressions are interpreted differently based on power dynamics, such as upward (employee to supervisor) versus downward (supervisor to employee) gratitude. Her work also explores the authenticity of emotional expression and its impact on workplace relationships.

Her publications, including in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, reflect a strong trend in social psychology applied to organizational contexts, particularly in understanding how positive emotions influence leadership, relational dynamics, and organizational culture.

Professional Affiliations:

• Member, The PhD Project
• Former President (2019–2020), Management Doctoral Student Association
• Member, Management Faculty of Color Association

Dr. Younge teaches courses on leading and managing in organizations and is developing an elective focused on managing positive relationships at work. Her academic service and leadership in diversity initiatives highlight her commitment to inclusive scholarship and mentorship in business education.

She is actively engaged in research on emotional authenticity and relational processes in organizations, contributing to both theoretical and practical understanding of leadership and organizational behavior.