Dr. Gary Pheiffer
Dr. Gary Pheiffer is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Heriot-Watt University. With a wealth of international experience in teaching, research, and consulting in HRM (Human Resource Management) and Work Psychology, he has established himself as a respected expert in the field. Dr. Pheiffer's diverse background includes working, consulting, and teaching in Dubai (UAE), the UK, Poland, South Africa, Russia, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Pheiffer held roles in the banking, manufacturing, and food distribution industries, specializing in HRM and change management. This hands-on experience in various sectors has enriched his understanding of organizational dynamics and the challenges faced by businesses.
Dr. Pheiffer's research work focuses on several key areas. He explores the role of Adult attachment in the workplace, investigating how interpersonal relationships and attachment styles influence employee well-being and performance. His research also delves into the intricate connection between well-being and organizational outcomes, uncovering the implications for overall organizational performance. Additionally, Dr. Pheiffer contributes to the field of organizational learning, examining how organizations acquire, transfer, and utilize knowledge to foster continuous improvement and innovation.
As an accomplished academic and consultant, Dr. Pheiffer's expertise extends to delivering impactful teaching, conducting rigorous research, and providing valuable consulting services to organizations. He brings a global perspective to his work, drawing on his extensive international experience to inform his insights and recommendations.
Dr. Pheiffer holds a PhD in Psychology and possesses multiple degrees, including BA, BA (Hons), and MA. He is a Certified Occupational Psychologist (COccPsy), a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (MCIPD), HCPC (UK) and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Through his contributions to the field of HRM and Work Psychology, Dr. Pheiffer continues to make a significant impact in both academia and industry, driving innovation and promoting the well-being and success of individuals and organizations alike.
> Empowering female managers in the Digital Era: Overcoming barriers, harnessing opportunities
> Embracing the digital transformation in Business Psychology: A path to innovation and impact
> Empowering female managers in the Digital Era: Overcoming barriers, harnessing opportunities
Introduction:
The rapid advancement of digital technologies has brought both opportunities and challenges for female managers in the Middle East, including the UAE. This panel discussion seeks to address the multifaceted barriers and opportunities that arise in the digital era and explore strategies to empower and support the career advancement of women in leadership roles.
Barriers and Challenges in the Digital Era:
The panel will delve into the unique barriers that women face in the digital era, including the digital gender divide, biases in algorithmic decision-making, online harassment, work-life integration challenges, and digital skills gaps. The discussion will analyze the intersectionality of these barriers and their impact on women's career progression.
Support Mechanisms in the Digital Landscape:
The panel will explore the digital support mechanisms and initiatives designed to foster the development of female managers. This includes virtual mentoring programs, online leadership development courses, digital networking platforms, and remote work policies. The discussion will highlight successful digital initiatives and their impact on supporting and empowering women in the workplace.
Strategies for Empowerment in the Digital Era:
Building upon the identified barriers and digital support mechanisms, the panel will propose strategies to empower female managers in the digital era. This may include advocating for digital literacy and upskilling programs, promoting inclusive digital workplaces, leveraging digital platforms for networking and visibility, and harnessing digital tools for remote collaboration and flexible work arrangements.
Key Issues for Debate:
The panel discussion will encourage thought-provoking debate on several key issues, such as the impact of digital transformation on gender equality, the role of digital leadership in fostering inclusive workplaces, the ethical implications of AI-driven decision-making, and the potential for digital solutions to address work-life integration challenges.
Conclusion:
This panel discussion aims to explore the unique challenges and opportunities faced by female managers in the digital era and propose strategies to empower and support their career advancement. By embracing digital technologies and fostering an inclusive digital culture, organizations can create an environment where women can thrive and succeed in leadership roles in the UAE and the wider Middle East region.
Keywords: female managers, UAE, Middle East, barriers, support mechanisms, digital era, digital transformation, gender equality, diversity, female empowerment, digital leadership, workplace challenges.
> Embracing the digital transformation in Business Psychology: A path to innovation and impact
Business Psychology is a growing area of psychology in the Middle East region. This is both exciting and potentially challenging. With Business Psychology not being regulated in the region yet, there is a potential risk of those who call themselves ‘Business Psychologists’ or ‘Business Psychology Consultants’, representing a variety of levels across psychological practices. As a group of BPS registered Business Psychologists, this is a growing concern for us as professionals as we believe that when working with clients, all Business Psychologists must follow the same code of ethics, incorporate duty of care and ensure client-centred support.
Through digital collaboration and innovation, interdisciplinary partnerships will be encouraged to address complex organizational challenges in the digital age. The panel discussion will explore training opportunities that equip professionals with the necessary skills and competencies to navigate the digital landscape effectively, ensuring the delivery of comprehensive and up-to-date solutions.
Embracing the digital transformation in Business Psychology has the potential to make a profound impact on organizations and individuals. By embracing digital advancements, professionals can drive innovation and positive change. This panel discussion aims to inspire attendees to explore the possibilities, collaborate, and shape the future of Business Psychology in the Middle East.
We are creating a Society for all those who are interested in Business Psychology within the GCC region. This Society will enable psychologists working with organisations to access knowledge, experience and the latest best practice guidelines, as well as network and explore potential opportunities for collaboration on a number of projects, including understanding the pitfalls and opportunities around increased technology use in organisations.Our members will have access to discounted CPD events and will have the opportunity to showcase their work in the form of case studies or research papers through such events. This amazing community of practice will create a strong baseline for the future of Business Psychology in the Middle East.
The aim of this panel is to discuss the importance of professional development and cohesion for Business Psychologists in the region with a focus on the digital impact on organisations, leaders, teams and individual employees. Business Psychology plays a vital role in the Middle East and we will discuss the need for this service for organisations in supporting multicultural workforces, leadership development, employee wellbeing and engagement, change management (with rapid economic growth), and attracting and retaining talent. By sharing psychological insights, and integrating them into digital strategies, organisations in the Middle East can create a competitive advantage and drive sustainable growth in the region within a changing digital landscape.
The Society will also be opened to those non psychologists , who are interested in psychology at work. We will share with you the latest research, solutions and best practices in the area of leadership, wellbeing, assessments /recruitment/ talent development, ergonomics, coaching and many others. Our CPD events will be open to all members and will enhance your knowledge and skills in order to create strong and effective individuals, teams and organizations during the new digital era.