MPS in Applied Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Nick Denstaedt, 2024
Describe your dissertation, thesis, or capstone:
My research team's practicum project explored how the degree of team virtuality (e.g. in person, hybrid, fully remote) and the amount a team has to collaborate (i.e. task interdependence or task reliance), impacts the effectiveness of leadership in fostering cohesive teams. We found that supportive leader behaviors like creating opportunities to connect, setting goals and vision, and ensuring effective digital collaboration are more important to support cohesion with more virtual teams. Our takeaway: as a leader, if you have a hybrid or virtual team, invest intentional effort to build relationships and alignment to get the most out of your team.
How did you choose your specific area of study?
Post-pandemic, organizations were thrust into remote work environments. In our new normal, the hybrid workplace is here to stay. Yet, not all leaders have adjusted. And organizations have taken a wide variety of approaches to navigating the hybrid work environment. Research is catching up and providing evidence-based answers for maximizing team cohesion and effectiveness. Our team saw a great opportunity to add to the conversation.
How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?
It's like being a kid in a candy store. I felt like I was playing catch-up with this 100-year conversation on what psychology has to offer for advice to running the most effective organizations with the most engaged, fulfilled employees. At the conclusion of my master's program, I feel a lot more confident talking about research and evidence-based practice and feel much better equipped to experiment and validate talent strategies working in specific organizational contexts.
Which accomplishment(s) during your time at Mason are you most proud of?
Writing a research paper and delivering a white paper on an important and interesting subject like team cohesion in hybrid work environments was very fulfilling. I was also excited when I read the research sections of academic papers and understood the statistics. I was surprised to be effortlessly running moderated regressions in R. And in the final courses, it was satisfying to quickly call up specific research on a topic in writing and discussion.
Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career?
Every member of Mason faculty and staff was amazing to work with. Professor Stagl enriched my understanding of all I-O has to offer and taught me how to market those skills which helped me land my ideal job. Professor Zaccaro completely reframed how I think about leadership for personal reflection and crafting effective leadership development programs. Professor Doverspike, Professor Liang, and Professor Lee were all very patient and helpful, imparting a much stronger grasp of how, when, and why to use varying statistical approaches. Professor LaPort and Professor Hutchison gave me great practical takeaways for selection and training in the workplace.
What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?
Enjoy the ride. As much as life permits, take the opportunity to engage in the program and learn from experts and peers. Ask lots of questions.
What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?
I have a passion for all things talent management. I love to use analytics and evidence-based practice to optimize an organization's talent strategies. I believe engaged, passionate, and connected employees lead to the best results.