Dale Miller

Research Statement

Professor Dale Miller's research interests include the impact of social norms on behavior, the role that justice considerations play in individual and organizational decisions, and the conditions under which individuals and organizations can be induced to change course.

Bio

Professor Miller’s research focuses on various aspects of social and group behavior. Long interested in social norms, he has investigated the processes underlying the development, transmission, and modification of group norms. He has been especially interested in the emergence and perpetuation of social norms that lack broad support. A second focus of his research is how the belief that one is moral develops and shapes one’s thoughts and actions. He has also studied and written on behavioral change strategies and interventions.

Professor Miller has served on the editorial board of several scientific journals and currently serves on the editorial board of several scientific journals and currently serves on the editorial boards of the Social Justice Research, Motivational Science, and Psychological Inquiry. He has received numerous awards and has  been a Visiting Fellow at both the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences (Stanford) and the Institute for Advanced Study (Princeton).

At Stanford University since 2002, he is the Class of 1968 / Ed Zschau Professor of Organizational Behavior. He currently teaches the MBA Leadership Laboratory. 

Academic Degrees

• PhD, University of Waterloo, 1975
• BA, University of Victoria, 1971

Academic Appointments

• At Stanford University since 2002
• Fellow, Institute for Advanced Study, 2001-2002
• Professor, Princeton University, 1986-2002
• Visiting Professor, University of Michigan, 1983-1984
• Associate Professor – Professor, Simon Fraser University, 1981-1986
• Assistant – Associate Professor, University of British Columbia, 1977-1981
• Fellow, Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences, 1980-1981
• Assistant Professor, University of Western Ontario, 1974-1977

Teaching

Degree Courses

2018-19

OB 209: Leadership Laboratory

In the Leadership Labs class we ask you to consider the question, "Why would someone follow YOU?" This is a course in which you consider what kind of leader you want to be, what kind of leader you are, and how to align your leadership behavior...

2017-18

OB 209: Leadership Laboratory

In the Leadership Labs class we ask you to consider the question, "Why would someone follow YOU?" This is a course in which you consider what kind of leader you want to be, what kind of leader you are, and how to align your leadership behavior...

2016-17

OB 209: Leadership Laboratory

In the Leadership Labs class we ask you to consider the question, "Why would someone follow YOU?" This is a course in which you consider what kind of leader you want to be, what kind of leader you are, and how to align your leadership behavior...

OB 661: Topics in Organizational Behavior: Intragroup processes

This course will be run as a seminar. Each week a different form of intragroup behavior will be discussed. The type of group will vary, as will the context in which it operates (e.g., school vs. corporation). The weekly topics will include...

Executive Education & Other Non-Degree Programs

• Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders Gain general management training — combining conceptual knowledge with individual experiences — and increase your impact in the nonprofit sector.

Insights by Stanford Business

writtenWhy Social Movements Should Favor Collaboration over Confrontation

May 21, 2015

What the Nature Conservancy can teach other groups fighting for social change.

writtenHow Nonprofits Make the Ask: Framing Donation Requests

November 17, 2014

Giving gifts to donors is not always the best way to seek contributions.

writtenSarah Soule: How Activism Can Fuel Corporate Social Responsibility

October 10, 2014

Activism has catalyzed progress, but companies can be slow to evolve. How can activists know that their efforts matter? And what is the evidence that their work makes a difference?

writtenSusanna Loeb: Don’t Let Data Get in the Driver’s Seat

August 28, 2014

Stanford GSB professor Susanna Loeb warns against an over-reliance on research in education decision-making and argues for a more nuanced approach that blends data and key practitioner insights.

writtenHow Successful Leaders Avoid “Social Good Fatigue”

June 2, 2014

People who choose to work in the social sector benefit from a sense of mission about their work. But how do social sector leaders sustain their motivation, commitment, and passion over the long haul?

writtenDale Miller: Choosing a Board Seat, Advice from the Pros

March 20, 2014

Experienced board members from the Stanford community share their advice for choosing a first time board.

writtenDale Miller: Why Go Nonprofit?

February 27, 2014

Dale Miller brings the expertise and experience of Stanford GSB faculty and alumni to consider the question, “Is nonprofit passé or overlooked?”