Robert E. Kelley

Robert E. Kelley is a Professor of Management at the Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University, where he has been a faculty member since 1985. He is recognized as a leading expert in productivity, followership, and leadership, with teaching roles spanning courses such as 'Leveraging Intellectual Capital' and 'Customer-Driven Strategies.' His academic career includes visiting professorships at Aoyama Gakuin University and Portland State University, as well as visiting scholar status at Harvard University.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology (Colorado State University, 1977)
  • M.A. in Counseling Psychology (University of Texas at Austin, 1975)
  • B.A. in Psychology, History, and Education (Drake University, 1971)

Dr. Kelley’s research focuses on productivity enhancement, followership dynamics, and knowledge management. His work extends to race and ethnicity studies in judicial contexts, as evidenced by publications in law reviews. He has also explored internal consulting practices and workplace well-being in industrial settings.

His publications reveal a trajectory from early studies on industrial psychology to groundbreaking books on star performance strategies and organizational consulting. His empirical analyses of racial factors in legal decision-making demonstrate interdisciplinary breadth.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Remember Your Professor Award of Merit (2007)
  • Doherty Teaching Prize Nominee (2007)
  • Jacob Hautaluoma Distinguished Alumni Award (2004)
  • Honor Alumnus (2003)
  • Consulting Psychology Research Award (1978)

Dr. Kelley has served on CMU committees including the Tepper Accelerate Board and MBA Career Services Advisory. His consulting career, spanning over 40 years through companies like Consultants to Executives and Organizations, Ltd., complements his academic work. His research has been translated into over 10 languages and recognized globally.