Mel Fugate Ph.D.

Follow the link above to find samples of my research.

Click here for a link to Dr. Fugate's CV

Dr. Fugate’s primary research interests focus on employee reactions to organizational changes. This work includes but is not limited to: downsizings, restructurings, mergers and acquisitions, and plant closings. His research examines how employees cope with change; which elements influence employee perceptions of changes (e.g., threats v. challenges); the role of emotions in employee reactions; and identifying factors that influence employee turnover and performance. Related work involves employability and career transitions (e.g., job loss and reemployment) and the roles of leadership and organizational culture related to change processes and performance.

The above research is often derived from large organizational assessments designed to evaluate the human resource health of organizations. These projects frequently include profiling organizational culture and assisting managers with culture change and improving employee engagement. Dr. Fugate also conducts performance management and leadership development training.

His teaching interests span many aspects of management—leadership, organizational behavior, organizational culture, managing change, strategic human resource management, performance management, and motivation. He has a particular interest in managing across generations—Boomers, Generation X, Y, and Millennials. He teaches at all levels—executives, MBAs, and undergraduates. He also has international teaching experience (France).

Before coming to SMU, Dr. Fugate taught at Tulane University and Arizona State University.  Prior to earning his PhD he performed consulting services in marketing and business development and was a manager in the pharmaceutical industry.