Position(s): Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Communication

About Dr. Krizek: Bob Krizek received his Master's degree (1990) and Ph.D. (1995) from Arizona State University following an almost twenty-year career in the hospitality industry. Bob teaches and conducts research in the areas of organizational culture, socialization, and storytelling, as well as ethnographic methodologies. Bob's research is often presented at regional and national communication conferences, and he has authored and co-authored numerous research articles and book chapters.

Interests and Experiences in Organizational Learning: In his six years in St. Louis, Bob has established a considerable client base for his work related to organizational communication and learning. Bob has consulted with numerous companies, particularly those in the aerospace and health industries. Since he believes that "learning conversations" (or dialogue) lie at the foundation of all learning organizations, Bob focuses on the microscopic communication practices of organizational members. "At the core of any learning organization resides a cultural norm of valuing open and honest communication practices. If companies truly wish to attain the vision of being a learning organization, then above all their members must be skilled listeners who help create a climate of trust through their everyday interactions." Bob has designed a variety of customized programs for his clients including: achieving cultural competence, creating positive interactions, storytelling as integral to organizational learning, and asking difficult questions.