Thomas Fischer

Thomas Fischer is an Associate Professor at the University of Geneva’s Institute of Management and serves as Director of the Bachelor of Science in Economics and Management, the largest program in the faculty. He is the Yearly Review Editor of The Leadership Quarterly, a leading journal in leadership research. His work focuses on leadership styles and discourse, challenging conventional methodologies and exploring the gap between leadership rhetoric and actions. Fischer holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Lausanne, with prior degrees including a Master’s in Mathematics from the Technical University of Munich and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Business Administration from the Catholic University of Eichstaett-Ingolstadt. His research has been supported by scholarships from the German National Academic Foundation, the Bavarian Max Weber Program, and the Hanns Seidel Foundation.

His research interests include leadership conceptualization, measurement, and discourse analysis. He critiques the scientific validity of common leadership advice (e.g., authenticity, transformational styles) and examines how leaders use 'meta-talk' to shape perceptions of effectiveness and morality. Fischer’s publications emphasize methodological rigor and have appeared in top journals such as the Academy of Management Annals, Journal of Management, and Organization Studies. His work has earned awards, including the Best Paper Award at The Leadership Quarterly.

Teaching responsibilities include courses on Human Resource Management, Responsible Leadership, and Management Theories at both undergraduate and executive levels. His editorial contributions and peer-review activities span leadership and management journals, reflecting his influence in academic discourse. Fischer actively participates in academic conferences and has published reviews on topics like the history of people-centered management practices.