Gene Johnson's career epitomises that of the scientist-practitioner, a model he truly endorses. He received his doctorate in Industrial-Organisational Psychology from Tulane University in New Orleans, and started his career with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as a management trainee, later moving to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, where he was involved in quasi-experimental on-the-job studies that were empowered by legislation and had the potential to change government regulations, such as pay rates in different labour markets and performance management. Secondments included stints at the Washington, DC public school system and the Total Quality Management Institute.

Gene's next move was both geographical (to New Zealand) and cross-sector to academia, when he became a lecturer at the University of Auckland. His major achievements there were starting up his own consultancy, co-authorship of a textbook on strategic HRM, and receiving a Distinguished Teaching Award, most notably for setting up an annual externship programme that matched students with employers. He also became involved in Cranfield University's International Strategic HRM survey, which eventually involved over 30 countries. Gene's leadership of the New Zealand survey saw a major surveying of the HR population, and led to his sabbatical at Cranfield itself. It was then that he decided to make another move (again, both geographical and cross-sector), staying in the UK and becoming a full-time consultant. This eventually lead to his running of Ford Motor Company's outsourced training unit on People & Behavioural Skills. His latest move has been to Dell, where he is an EMEA Learning & Development Manager.

Gene believes that Occupational Psychologists add value to organizations through their rigorous training, including a research-base. His interests include structured employment interviewing, HR practices, organisational development, the impact of diversity, employee surveys, and talent management. His focus as Chair in 2008 will be on emphasizing the scientist-practitioner model in both the education and training of OP students and graduates.

Topics:

• Occupational psychology (scientist / practitioner model)
• Diversity
• HR best practice
• Talent management

Contact: Gene_johnson@Dell.com