Research | Thomas J. Norman, Ph.D.

Research areas

Rewards

How pay systems communicate, retain, and comply, with a focus on California’s disclosure rules.

Work

The hidden costs and benefits of outsourcing HR, and what arbitration outcomes really show.

Learning

Adaptive learning, AI in the classroom, and the management judgment AI adoption demands.

2019“Consulting Higher Education in Africa: A Strategic Case Study” (with David Brice and James Katzenstein), and its teaching note. International Review of Entrepreneurship.
2018“Perceived Value of Interactive Digital Textbook and Adaptive Learning: Implications on Student Learning Effectiveness” (with Qin Sun and Yann Abdourazakou). Journal of Education for Business.
2017“LearnSmart, Adaptive Teaching, and Student Learning Effectiveness: An Empirical Investigation” (with Qin Sun and Yann Abdourazakou). Journal of Education for Business.
2014“The Conventional Wisdom of Discharge Arbitration Outcomes and Remedies: Fact or Fiction” (with Mario Bognanno and colleagues). Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution.
2014“Technology Outsourcing in Human Resource Activities in Hospitality” (with Natasa Christodoulidou and Marcus Rothenberger). Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology.
2013“Transferring Western Management Knowledge to China: Perceptions of Graduates from an American Executive MBA Program” (with Mahmood A. Zaidi). Frontiers of Business Research in China.
2012“Teaching Interviewing Skills through a Service-Learning Partnership.” Journal of Human Resource Education.

2026Compensation: Rewarding and Retaining Talent, California Edition.
2026Management: Optimizing Talent for Organizational Effectiveness.
2024The Five Functions of Effective Management, Third Edition, with Donald Baack.
2010Outsourcing Human Resource Activities: Measuring the Hidden Costs and Benefits.

2026“Governing Mega-Events: Accountability, Inclusion, and Risk Sensemaking in LA28.” Academy of Management.
2026“Consulting for Mobility Equity: Designing, Evaluating, and Scaling Equity Mobility for Everyone.” Academy of Management.
2026“Career Readiness Without a Subscription: Teaching Professional AI Skills with Free Tools.” Academy of Management.
2025“From the Field to the Classroom: Leveraging AI to Craft Case Studies for Teaching and Research.” Academy of Management.
2024“It’s OK to Ask for Help: How ChatGPT in the Classroom Helps Faculty and Students.” Western Academy of Management.

Best Case Award, Western Casewriters Association, 2026
Faculty lead, Credit for Prior Learning for adult learners, College Futures Foundation and Jobs for the Future, 2026
Faculty advisor, Workforce Integration Network, $5.3 million NTIA Connecting Minority Communities grant, 2021–2025
Mervyn M. Dymally African American Political and Economic Institute Research Grant, 2017
RSCA Interdisciplinary Grant, CSUDH, 2015
Fulbright U.S. Student Program, National Screening Committee, 2025–2027