Michael Y. Lee

Michael Y. Lee is an Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour at INSEAD and studies novel and innovative approaches to organizing. His research explores the dynamics and consequences of radically decentralized systems and how organizations can facilitate greater self-management without sacrificing coordination. His other research explores how teams can foster and improve positive relational dynamics. He uses ethnographic observation and interviews, experiments, and survey methods to study these phenomena.

He is also passionate about translating insights from research into practical tools for practitioners. His teaching focuses on organizational change, organizational design, and collaborative leadership. He regularly consults with leaders to help them cultivate more effective, engaging and empowering work environments. Michael has worked in a variety of organizational contexts and sectors. Prior to entering academia, he served as an engagement leader for the Parthenon Group, a global management consulting firm, where he advised corporate, private equity, and social sector clients. He has also spent time in the technology industry - working at Google - and in the social sector where he helped clients measure and increase their social impact.

Michael earned his DBA in Management from Harvard Business School, an MBA from U.C. Berkeley's Haas School of Business, and his AB from Harvard University (magna cum laude in Social Studies). He has trained in large group meeting facilitation and self-managed teaming as a Coro Fellow in Public Affairs, and is an experienced student in Vipassana (Insight) meditation, having trained at Spirit Rock, one of the largest medication centers in the U.S.

Research Areas

• Organisational Structure and Design, Self-management, Hierarchy, Coordination, Formalisation, Team Dynamics

Teaching Areas

• Organisational Change, Organisational Structure, Collaborative Leadership