Dr. Julie Pitcher Giles, BA, MBA (Memorial University), PhD (University of Leicester)
Assistant Professor, Program Chair, Business Administration
Phone: (709) 639-2571
Email:
jpitchergiles@grenfell.mun.ca
Research interests/expertise
My core research interests relate to strategy and socially responsible engagement of businesses, particularly among small businesses, and often in the context of rural communities. While large organizations and businesses often dedicate significant resources to examining strategic and socially responsible action, small businesses often express a feeling that they lack the resources, competence and confidence to formally act with strategic and socially responsible intent. Most interesting to me is that many small businesses are often so deeply embedded and engaged in their communities, that every action they take is both strategic and responsible, but from a unique perspective that may not be driven by "the bottom line". Exploring the nature, benefits, and costs of this type of business engagement in communities is where my greatest research interest lies.
Case writing is another scholarly activity that I have a particular interest in, as it provides opportunities to engage directly with both businesses and colleagues to explore practical and pressing business challenges, and to explore potential solutions that are grounded in contemporary research. My case research often targets small local businesses.
Exploring university teaching and learning, and curriculum development, specifically as they relate to the online learning environment, are further areas of research curiosity that bridge my teaching and research interests.
Feel free to reach out if you have any research interests in common and would like to explore a research collaboration.
Sample scholarly contributions
Newell, W., & Pitcher Giles, J. (2022). “Rough Waters Brewing Company: Evaluating decisions in uncertain environments.” Ivey Publishing, October. Available: https://www.iveypublishing.ca/s/product/rough-waters-brewing-company-evaluating-decisions-in-uncertain-environments/01t5c00000DcOLuAAN
Jahanzeb, S., Fatima, T., Javed, B. & Pitcher Giles, J. (2020). “Can mindfulness overcome the effects of workplace ostracism on job performance?” The Journal of Social Psychology, 160:5, 589-602, DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2019.1707465.
Janhanzeb, S., Pitcher Giles, J., and Mushtaq, R. (2023). "Workplace ostracism and organizational deviance: A self-regulatory perspective." The Journal of Social Psychology. 163(5), 698-715, DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2023.2185499
Teaching
I have a love of teaching and learning, both in person and online, at undergraduate and graduate levels. I am currently exploring how best to incorporate the strengths of in-person and of virtual learning environments to support more engaging experiences in both contexts.
I typically teach in the areas of organizational theory, strategic planning, implementation and management, and social responsibility; occasionally I step outside these areas into organizational behaviour and leadership.
Student Supervision
I often supervise undergraduate students through the Memorial University Undergraduate Career Experience (MUCEP) program, and have also enjoyed graduate student supervision with students who are exploring research questions that cross into my field of interest in communities, engagement, and business social responsibility.
Please don't hesitate to connect to inquire about supervision opportunities that align with my own teaching and research interests.