Rebecca Downes

Dr Rebecca Downes is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Management, Victoria University of Wellington, where she has been employed since 2020. She currently serves as the PhD Programme Director for the School of Management and teaches Introduction to Management (MGMT101) and Organisations and Ethics (MGMT321). Prior to her academic career, she had approximately 20 years of industry experience in technical and management roles across technology companies including Wētā Digital, Xero, and Shotgun Software.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Management from Victoria University of Wellington (2017-2020)
• Bachelor of Commerce (First Class Honours) from Victoria University of Wellington (2016)
• Bachelor of Information Technology from Otago Polytechnic (1997)

Dr Downes' research focuses on the intersection of technology and work, with particular emphasis on remote work dynamics, business ethics, and organization theory. Her work investigates how technological advancements reshape workplace relationships and organizational structures, drawing on her extensive industry background to bridge theory and practice. She explores ethical implications of digital transformation and seeks frameworks for creating meaningful work experiences in technology-mediated environments.

Her publication record demonstrates a clear trajectory examining remote work and organizational control mechanisms. Recent work has developed theoretical frameworks like 'work magnetism' to explain workload disparities and investigated pastoral control in remote settings. Her research bridges traditional organizational theory with contemporary challenges of distributed work, with findings relevant to both academic and practitioner audiences.

Dr Downes has received recognition for her contributions:

• NZTE Award for Excellence in Management (May 2017)
• Victoria University Doctoral Scholarship (December 2016)

As PhD Programme Director, she plays a key role in guiding doctoral research while maintaining active industry engagement. Her work has been featured in multiple news outlets and referenced in policy sources, demonstrating real-world impact. She regularly participates in industry conferences including engagements with NZ Police and the Post Primary Teachers' Association, translating academic insights into practical workplace solutions.

Dr Downes maintains an active research agenda examining emerging workplace technologies, particularly the implications of artificial intelligence on organizational structures and work relationships, building on her established expertise in technology-mediated work arrangements.