UNH Today

Jennifer Griffith, an associate professor of organizational behavior and management and the Morrison Fellow of Diversity at the University of New Hampshire's Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, was recently recognized by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International as a 2024 Influential Leader.  

Griffith is among 22 business school faculty honored by AACSB International — the world’s largest business education alliance — as the 2024 Class of Influential Leaders. The annual initiative recognizes notable alumni and faculty from AACSB-accredited business schools whose work inspires positive change in the business world and society.  

“Jenn Griffith’s record of research and related practical interventions for improving workplace equity made her an obvious choice to nominate for this recognition. She also regularly involves undergraduate students in her research efforts, inspiring the next generation of scholars and changemakers,” says Victoria Parker, Paul College associate dean for graduate education and faculty administration, who nominated Griffith for the honor.  

Griffith’s research focuses on increasing equity in the workplace. Most recently, her studies have centered on workplace policy and institutional interventions, both pre-and post-hire, to prevent and remedy the social and individual costs of identity-based bias and sexual misconduct. This work includes research and applied projects related to the prevention of sexual harassment and assault and research on diversity, equity and inclusion, mainly focused on interventions to address and reduce bias in organizational decisions.  

“It’s a privilege to be recognized in the 2024 AACSB cohort of Influential Leaders, and it’s especially gratifying that this recognition stems from my efforts in promoting workplace equity,” Griffith said. “My goal in doing this work is to uncover the resources and tools needed to create more inclusive and innovative workplaces where everyone can thrive. The organizational decisions made every day, from the metrics and methods of how we assess job applicants to the workplace cultures and expectations we reinforce, play a part in ensuring that everyone has a fair opportunity to flourish.”  

Griffith's research on diversity, equity and inclusion has resulted in multiple publications focused on closing important equity-based gaps in the field, including disparities in severance package payouts and a more inclusive model of women's leadership development.   

AACSB’s Influential Leaders member spotlight program highlights the value that business schools bring to business and society — whether through the alumni who have used their business education to improve the industries and communities they serve or the faculty leading positive impact through their research.   

Griffith has worked at UNH since 2016 and earned the 2021 UNH Outstanding Assistant Professor award.  

Griffith's profile and those of other Influential Leaders can be viewed at aacsb.edu/influential-leaders.