Ann Baker

Photo of Ann Baker
Titles and Organizations

Professor Emerita, Schar School of Policy and Government
abaker1@gmu.edu

Contact Information

abaker1@gmu.edu
Phone: 703-993-3805
Fax: 703-993-8215
Mason Square, Van Metre Hall
3351 Fairfax Dr.
Arlington, Virginia 22201
MS 3B1

Biography

Ann C. Baker is professor emerita of the Schar School of Policy and Government and a senior scholar of the Center for Well-Being at George Mason University. She served as the senior associate dean of the School of Public Policy (SPP) from 2010-13. Earlier, she served for five years as the program director of the Master's in Organization Development and Knowledge Management program, and she taught at Mason from 1996-2015. Baker has more than 30 years of experience serving as an external and internal consultant to public, private, and nonprofit organizations.

Baker's research expertise and consulting experience include creating systemic organizational change, cross-cultural communication and collaboration, conflict and change as catalytic sources of learning and innovation, and group dynamics. She is the author of numerous publications related to her research and consulting interests including her books, Catalytic Conversations: Organizational Communication and Innovation (2010) and Conversational Learning: An Experiential Approach to Knowledge Creation (2002).

In 2006, Baker received the Don Lavoie Teaching Award from SPP and in 2008 was a finalist for the Teaching Excellence Award at Mason. Prior to joining Mason, she was a Kellogg Fellow, having received a three-year leadership development fellowship from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for International Leaders of the Future.

Curriculum Vitae

View Ann Baker's CV

Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University
3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22201
abaker1@gmu.edu

CAREER EXPERIENCE

Professor Emerita of Public Policy, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, June, 2015-present

Senior Scholar, Center for Well-Being, George Mason University, 2013- present

Professor, School of Public Policy (SPP) & SPGIA, George Mason University, 2010-June, 2015 Senior Associate Dean, SPP, George Mason University, 2010-2013

Associate Professor, SPP, George MasonUniversity, 2003-2010

Director, Masters in Organization Development & Knowledge Management degree (ODKM), 2005-2008 Assistant Professor, George Mason University, 1996-2003

Director, Masters in Organizational Learning degree (OL), 1996-1998 Organizational Behavior Consultant (1990 – present)

Director of Special Projects, President's and Provost’s Offices, Medical University of South Carolina,1988- 1990

Director, Charleston Higher Education Consortium (Responsible to Executive Board of six college and university Presidents), 1986-1988

Associate Director, Business/Education Relations, Charleston Higher Education Consortium, 1982-1986 Director, Trident Work Education Council, 1980-1982

Planner, South Carolina Coastal Council, 1977-1980

Legislative Aide, S. C. State Senator, 1975-1977, Campaign Manager, reelection, 1976 Teacher, high school English, 1966-1969

EDUCATION

Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior, Case Western Reserve University, 1995

Post GraduateTraining Program and Group Facilitation Specialty Track (three-year program), Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, 1990-1993

Masters in Public Administration, University of Tennessee, Highest Academic Honors

Bachelors of Science, College of Charleston, English, Member of scholastic honorary society, Alpha Kappa Gamma

PUBLICATIONS

Books

Baker, Ann C. Catalytic Conversations: Organizational Communication and Innovation. Armonk, NY: M. E. Sharpe Inc. Publisher, 2010.

Baker, Ann C., Jensen, Patricia J., & Kolb, David A. Conversational Learning: An Experiential Approach to Knowledge Creation. Westport, CT: Quorum Books, 2002

Refereed Publications

Borredon, Liz, Deffayet, Sylvie, Baker, Ann C., Kolb David A. Enhancing deep learning: Lessons from the introduction of learning teams in management education in France. Journal of Management Education, 35(3): 324-350. 2011

Baker, Ann C. Conversation. In Stewart Clegg & James Bailey, International Encyclopedia of Organizational Studies. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. 2007.

Baker, Ann C., Jensen, Patricia J., & Kolb, David A. Conversation as experiential learning. Management Learning: The Journal for Managerial and Organizational Learning, 36(4): 411-427. 2005.

Baker, Ann C. Seizing the moment: Talking about the ‘undiscussables’. Journal of Management Education, 28(6): 693-706. 2004.

White, Judith, McMillen, Cecilia,& Baker, Ann C. Challenging traditional models: Towards an inclusive mod- el of group development. Journal of Management Inquiry, 10(1): 40-57. 2001.

Baker, Ann C. Receptivity to racial and ethnic diversity. Psychological Reports, 84: 35-41. 1999.

McMillen, Cecilia M., Baker, Ann C., & White, Judith. Cultural analysis, ‘good conversation’ and the creation of a multicultural learning organization. Management Learning: The Journal for Managerial and Organizational Learning, 28(2): 197-215. 1997.

Baker, Ann C., Jensen, Patricia J., & Kolb, David A. In conversation: Transforming experience into learning. Simulation & Gaming, 28(1): 6-12. 1997.

Refereed Book Chapters (Selected)

Baker, Ann C. Shifting landscape: Differences that spawn new knowledge. In Andrew Tait & Kurt Richard- son (Eds.), Complexity and Knowledge Management: Understanding the Role of Knowledge in the Management of Social Networks. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing, Inc. 2010.

Baker, Ann C. Creating a new kind of conversation: A consultant’s role in building sustainable change in the new economy. In Ronald Sims (Ed.), Changing the Way We Manage Change: The Consultant’s Speak. West- port, CT: Quorum Books. 2002.

Boyatzis, Richard, Baker, Ann, Leonard, David, Rhee, Kenneth, &Thompson, Lorraine. Evidence of the im- pact of the new program on students' abilities. In Richard Boyatzis, Scott Cowen, & David Kolb (Eds.), In- novation in Professional Education: Steps on a Journey from Teaching to Learning. San Francisco: Jossey- Bass. 1995.

Baker, Ann C. & Kolb, David A. Diversity, learning, and good conversation. In Ronald R. Sims & Robert F. Dennehy (Eds.), Diversity and Differences in Organizations: Issues and Perspectives. Westport, CT: Quorum Books. 1993.

Bevan, John M. &Baker, Ann C. A partnership with business. In Donn C. Neal (Ed.), Consortium and Institutional Cooperation. New York: MacMillan. 1988.

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS (Selected)

Baker, Ann C. Leading Change Through Reflective Practice. Reflective Practice program sponsored by School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution, Search for Common Ground, Center for Consciousness and Transformation, and School of Public Policy. (Invited Presentation) 2012

Baker, Ann C. Can People’s Differences Become Resources at Work and in Society? Chesapeake Bay Organization Development Network. (Invited Presentation) 2011.

Baker, Ann C. and White, Judith. Bringing Conversational Learning on Campus and into the Classroom. Organization Behavior Teaching Conference. (Refereed Paper Presentation) 2009

Baker, Ann C. Complexity in Organizations: Challenge or Opportunity? Department of Defense. (Invited Presentation) 2009

Baker, Ann C. Multiple Meanings of Knowledge Management. National Science Foundation (NSF) Knowledge Management Advisory Team. (Invited Presentation) 2008

Baker, Ann C. Catalytic Conversations: Energy Saving and Life Giving. Chesapeake Bay Organization Development Network Annual Conference. (Invited Presentation) 2008

Baker, Ann C. Why We Can’t Wait: The Emerging Needs of Alternative Dispute Resolution. Keynote Speech at the Emerging State of Alternative Dispute Resolution Conference. (Invited Presentation) 2007

Baker, Ann C. Tapping Local Knowledge: Unleashing Agents of Change for World Benefit. United Nations & Academy of Management Global Forum: Business as an Agent of World Benefit: Management Knowledge Leading Positive Change. (Refereed Paper Presentation) 2006

Baker, Ann C. Shifting Organization Landscapes: Pushing Theoretical Boundaries for Creativity at the Edge of Chaos. Academy of Management National Conference. (Refereed Paper Presentation, Organizational Development & Change Division) 2006

Baker, Ann C. When People Disagree: How Do We Learn? EDHEC Teleconference, Lille, France. (Invited Presentation) 2005

Baker, Ann C. The Women’s Movement in a Parochial Environment: A 1970’s Feminist in the Twenty-first Century. Panel: Reflections on the Zeitgeist. Association for Public Policy Analysis &Management, Washing- ton, DC. (Refereed Paper) 2003

Borredon, Liz, Raeilin, Joseph,& Baker, Ann C. Stages of Dialogic Conversation. Seattle, WA. (Refereed Pro- fessional Development Workshop) 2003

Baker, Ann C. A Hermeneutical Approach to Research: Discovering How People in Organizations Learn Through Conversations in Face Space and Cyberspace. Academy of Management National Conference, Denver, CO. (Refereed Paper Presentation, Research Methods Division) 2002

Baker, Ann C. Understanding Race in New Ways: Reflective Learning in Asynchronous Conversations for Organizational Change. Academy of Management National Conference, Denver, CO. (Refereed Paper Presentation, Organizational Development & Change Division) 2002

Baker, Ann C. Transforming Wicked Problems: A Consultant’s Use of Conversation. Academy of Management National Conference, Denver, CO. (Refereed Paper Presentation, Management Consulting Division) 2002

LeBaron, Michelle & Baker, Ann C. Women Transforming: Recreating Gendered Stories. The 8th International Interdisciplinary Women’s World Congress, Kampala, Uganda. (Refereed Paper Presentation) 2002

Baker, Ann C. Micro Level Dimensions of Organizational Learning: Differences as Stimuli for Change and Learning. Academy of Management National Conference, Washington, DC. (Refereed Paper Presentation, Organizational Development & Change Division) 2001

Baker, Ann C. A Skeptic’s Conversion: Recognition of the Potential Expansion in Cyberspace to Supplement Face-to-Face Conversations for Learning. Academy of Management National Conference, Washington, DC. (Refereed Paper Presentation, Management Education & Development Division) 2001

Baker, Ann C. Contextual Interpretation of Conversation Through Qualitative Research: A Hermeneutical Approach in Face Space, Cyberspace, and Text Space. Academy of Management National Conference, Washington, DC. (Refereed Presentation, Research Methods and Managerial & Organizational Cognition Divisions) 2001

Baker, Ann C. &King, Starla J. The Internet Connection: Diversity and the Internet from the Inside. Diversity Leadership Forum Annual Meeting (professional association of global diversity leaders), Washington, DC. (Invited Presentation) 2000

Baker, Ann C. Keep the Conversation Going: Using On-Line Conversational Databases to Supplement Face- to-Face Learning. Organizational Behavior Teaching Annual National Conference. (Refereed Presentation) 2000

Baker, Ann C. Hearing Others into Speech Across Cultural Differences. NTL Institute for Applied Behavior- al Science Annual Meeting, Washington, DC. (Invited Presentation) 2000

Baker, Ann C. Women in the Workplace. Company-wide, videoconference, Freddie Mac Corporation, Northern VA. (Invited Presentation) 2000

Baker, Ann C. Change Leadership. Workshop for Chairpersons and Administrators at George Mason University, April and September 1999. (Invited Presentations) 1999

Baker, Ann C., Comerford, Susan, & Fambrough, Mary. Organizational Talk: The Transformational Potential of a Feminist Approach. Symposium, Academy of Management Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL. (Refereed presentation, Gender & Diversity in Organizations Division) 1999

Comerford, Susan, Fambrough, Mary, Baker, Ann, & Wyss, Esther. Working with Diverse Students: Strategies to Assist Faculty in Doing Their Homework. Preconference Workshop, Academy of Management Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL. (Refereed presentation, Gender & Diversity in Organizations Division) 1999

Baker, Ann C., White, Judith, & McMillen, Cecilia. A Women’s Voice Perspective on Team Development. Workshop, Western Academy of Management Annual Conference, Redondo Beach, CA. (Refereed presentation) 1999

Baker, Ann C. Conversation as Experiential Learning. Department of Organizational Behavior, Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University. (Invited Presentation) 1998

Baker, Ann C. &Kimble, Beverly. Using Metaphors to Facilitate Change in Organizations. SUPERvisor Series for employees, George Mason University. (Invited Presentation) 1998

Baker, Ann C. Creating the Learning Organization: The Human Perspective. Chesapeake Bay Organizational Development Network Annual Conference, Washington, DC. (Invited Presentation) 1998

Baker, Ann C. The Technological Perspective of Creating a Learning Organization, Chesapeake Bay Organizational Development Network Annual Conference, Washington, DC. (Invited Presentation) 1998

Baker, Ann C., Jensen, Patricia J., & Kolb, David A. Creating Hospitable and Receptive Spaces to Enhance Learning Through Conversation. Organizational Behavior Teaching Conference. (Refereed presentation) 1997

Baker, Ann C. Mentoring in Organizations. BTG Corporation, Fairfax, VA. (Invited Presentation) 1997

Baker, Ann C. 360 Degree Assessment in Organizations. MultiServices, USA, Herndon, VA. (Invited Presentation) 1997

Baker, Ann C. &Jensen, Patricia J. Making Connections Through Conversation. National Society for Experiential Education (NSEE) Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA. (Refereed presentation) 1995

Boyatzis, Richard, Baker, Ann, Leonard, David, Rhee, Kenneth, & Thompson, Lorraine. Presentation with colleagues, Developing Abilities in a Graduate Management Program: Individuality in Change - The Effect of Gender. Council for Adult and Experiential Learning(CAEL) National Conference. (Refereed presentation) 1993

Baker, Ann C., White, Judith, & McMillen, Cecilia M. Creating a Multicultural Learning Community. Organizational Behavior Teaching Conference; Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA. (Refereed presentation) 1993

Baker, Ann C., White, Judith, & McMillen, Cecilia M. Cultural Analysis, Relational Dialogue and the Creation of a Multicultural Learning Community. Managing in a Global Economy V Conference; Berlin, Germany. (Refereed presentation) 1993

Baker, Ann C. Keynote Address for the Leadership Forum for the First Congressional District, Charleston, SC. (Invited Presentation) 1992

Baker, Ann C., White, Judith, & McMillen, Cecilia M. Valuing Differences as an Outcome of a Managerial Assessment and Development Course. Eastern Academy of Management Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD. (Refereed presentation) 1992

Baker, Ann C. Alternative Dispute Resolution. International Women and Peace Conference, University of Illinois in Urbana-Champagne. (Refereed presentation) 1989

Baker, Ann C. Relatedness and Conflict Resolution. North American Conference on Peacemaking and Con- flict Resolution, Montreal, Canada. (Refereed presentation) 1989

Baker, Ann C. Perspectives on Beach Erosion: Barrier Island Management. Proceedings of the Coastal Zone 80 National Conference, Miami, FL. (Refereed presentation) 1980

ORGANIZATIONAL CONSULTING AND RESEARCH (Selected)

Consultant, Department of State, U.S. Government

Consultant, Office of Science, Department of Energy, U.S. Government. Serving on Advisory Board, Project Leadership Institute

Researcher and Consultant, Office of the Inspector General, USPS, Washington, DC. Conducted field re- search and assisted OIG create an effective Work Life Enhancement Program and related organizational culture changes.

Consultant and Facilitator, The Think Tank Program for National Nonprofit Sector Leaders sponsored by the Lilly Endowment for Chief Executive Officers of National nonprofit organizations. Series of three re- treats, each four-days in length, for CEOs of national nonprofit organizations.

Consultant, Smart Growth Initiative for South Carolina, Urban Land Institute and University of SC, a Public Policy Initiative of diverse stakeholders guiding land development for the State of South Carolina. Series of workshops and consultations over two years resulting in statewide land use plan.

Assessment Consultant and Executive Coach, Executive Leadership Development Program, Merrill Lynch International, (competency-based professional development program).

Assessment Consultant and Executive Coach, Competency-based Professional Development Program, PriceWaterhouseCoopers (formerly Coopers & Lybrand), USA Partners.

Consultant and Evaluator, National Council of Teachers of English, Annual Board of Directors Retreat. Lake Tahoe, NV.

Consultant and Conflict Resolution Facilitator for a department of physicians in a major medical university (confidentiality required). Developed communication systems to improve collaboration and productivity.

Consultant and Civic Forum Facilitator for the Community Foundation sponsored by the Pew Partnership for Civic Change and funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts. Monthly meetings and numerous three-day re- treats over a three-year period bringing together diverse stakeholders to address more effectively the needs of children in a three-county metropolitan area.

Consultant and Neutral Facilitator for the City of Charleston ad hoc Tourism Committee charged with the development of a Ten-Year Tourism Plan bringing together stakeholders with diverse interests, City of Charleston, SC. Worked with highly diverse stakeholders for approximately a year and a half and helped the group reach consensus on recommendations for City Ordinances to resolve long-standing tensions between residents of the historic district and the business community. All recommendations were accepted and passed by the City Council.

Co-Facilitator for the monthly Diversity Training Programs for new employees over two years, Case Western Reserve University.

Co-facilitator, Gestalt Workshops, Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH.

Consultant on Conflict Resolution for Charleston County School District administrators, principals, and assistant principals, Charleston, SC. Series of interactive workshops assisting the administrators, principals, and assistant principals to develop more effective conflict resolution skills and programs in the schools.

Executive Coach, Private Client Coaching

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Academy of Management, Ethics Committee Liaison from Research Methods Division (2002-2006), Member of the Research Methods & Organizational Development & Change Divisions

Organizational Development Network

Areas of Research

  • Creating Systemic Organizational Change
  • Cross-Cultural Communication
  • Group and Organization Communication
  • Organizational Differences as Catalysts for Knowledge Creation