Naomi Ellemers: The Power of Situations

We tend to think that our character traits and professional abilities define ‘who we are’. The inclination to determine ‘what someone is like’ also affects the way we relate to others around us. Prof. Naomi Ellemers takes a different perspective. She focuses on the ‘power of situations’

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ABOUT Naomi Ellemers

” In her research, Prof. Naomi Ellemers examines how specific aspects of situations affect the way people behave. The results of her research show how you can seek out and design the situations that work best for you.

Understanding the power of situations can be a key to personal development. It can also help you improve your relations with others at work or in your personal life.

Prof. Naomi Ellemers’ research examines the way people’s feelings, thoughts and actions are affected by the groups to which they belong. In many cases, people work together in groups because they depend on each other to achieve desired outcomes. Prof. Ellemers is interested in the non-material reasons for people to think of themselves and behave in terms of group memberships.

Her published work addresses a range of topics including how stereotypes affect career progression, what attracts people to power positions, and the psychology of innovation and change. She has received numerous grants and awards for her work, including the NWO Spinoza Award in 2010.”

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