Professor Leroy White
Professor of Management
L.White2@exeter.ac.uk
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Streatham Court 1.64a
Streatham Court, University of Exeter, Rennes Drive, Exeter, EX4 4PU, UK
Overview
Leroy is as a Professor of Management and Head of the Management Department at the University of Exeter Business School. He is a member of the College Executive Group. His main research interests are strategic partnerships, management practices, social network analysis, leadership behavioural operations and large group decision-making. He has worked with a range of clients, including the Department of Health, local health authorities, health trusts, the BBC and the voluntary sector in both the UK and abroad. He has published over a hundred papers in journals such as The Leadership Quarterly, Journals of Management Studies, Organization Studies, Human Resource Management and European Journal of OR. His funded research work includes ESRC KTP with Barclays Bank, British Academy award for a field experiment in the BBC, and ESRC Capacity Building Cluster on the third sector's impact.
Research
Research interests
Professor White’s research interests involve applying novel techniques to collective leadership, group decision making, management practices and strategic partnerships to investigate their performance and implications. He has a particular interest in using statistical social network analysis, FsQCA , and Sequence Analysis. He has conducted research with many UK and overseas organisations, including the BBC, Barclays, BT, and many government bodies and NGOs.
Professor White has supervised many PhDs to completion and is interested in supervising students in areas such as collective leadership, leadership with digital innovations, strategic decision-making, and the impact of management practices.
He is a member of ExCL and CSN within the Business School.
Publications
Books
White L, Kunc M, Malpass J, Burger K (2019). Behavioral Operational Research: a Capabilities Approach. Abstract.
White L, Kunc M, Malpass J, Burger K (2019). Preface.
Kunc M, Malpass J, White L (2016). Behavioral operational research: Theory, methodology and practice. Abstract.
Journal articles
Ackermann F, Yearworth M, White L (In Press). Micro-Processes in Group Decision and Negotiation: Practices and Routines for Supporting Decision Making. Group Decision and Negotiation
Tully P, White L, Yearworth M (In Press). The value paradox of Problem Structuring Methods. Systems Research and Behavioral Science Abstract.
Burger K, White L, Yearworth M (In Press). Understanding front-end project workshops with Social Practice Theory. International Journal of Project Management Abstract.
Ormerod R, Yearworth M, White L (In Press). Understanding participant actions in OR interventions using practice theories: a research agenda. European Journal of Operational Research Abstract.
Kazantsev N, Batolas D, White L (2024). Managing Asymmetries for Data Mobilization under Digital Transformation. British Journal of Management, 35(2), 663-678. Abstract.
Petropoulos F, Laporte G, Aktas E, Alumur SA, Archetti C, Ayhan H, Battarra M, Bennell JA, Bourjolly J-M, Boylan JE, et al (2023). Operational Research: methods and applications. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 75(3), 423-617.
Taket A, White L (2023). PANDA (Participatory Appraisal of Needs and Development of Action). Journal of Systems Thinking, 3, 1-10.
White L, Burger K (2022). Understanding Frameworking for Smart and Sustainable City Development: a configurational approach. Organization Studies, 44(10), 1603-1624. Abstract.
White L, Lockett A, Currie G, Hayton J (2020). HYBRID CONTEXT, MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE: a CONFIGURATIONAL APPROACH. Journal of Management Studies, NA, NA-NA.
White L, Lockett A, Currie G (2020). How does the availability and use of flexible leave influence the employer-employee relationship?. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, 59(5), 445-461. Author URL.
Burger K, White L, Yearworth M (2019). Developing a Smart Operational Research with Hybrid Practice Theories. European Journal of Operational Research Abstract.
White L (2018). A Cook's tour: Towards a framework for measuring the social impact of social purpose organisations. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPERATIONAL RESEARCH, 268(3), 784-797. Author URL.
Yearworth M, White L (2018). Spontaneous emergence of Community OR: self-initiating, self-organising problem structuring mediated by social media. European Journal of Operational Research, 809-824. Abstract.
Burger K, White L, Yearworth M (2018). Why so serious? Theorising playful model-driven group decision support with situated affectivity. Group Decision and Negotiation Abstract.
Taket A, White L (2017). After OR: an Agenda for Postmodernism and Poststructuralism in OR. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 44(9), 867-881.
Taket A, White L (2017). After Post-Modernism in OR: Response. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 45(2), 242-242.
White L, Taket A (2017). Exploring the use of narrative analysis as an operational research method: a case study in voluntary sector evaluation. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 51(6), 700-711.
Rosenhead J, White L (2017). Nuclear Fusion: Some Linked Case Studies in Community Operational Research. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 47(4), 479-489.
White L (2017). Size matters: large group methods and the process of operational research. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 53(2), 149-160.
Taket A, White L (2017). Support for Back to Basics?. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 45(7), 852-853.
White L, Taket A (2017). The Death of the Expert. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 45(7), 733-748.
White L (2016). Behavioural operational research: Towards a framework for understanding behaviour in OR interventions. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPERATIONAL RESEARCH, 249(3), 827-841. Author URL.
White L, Currie G, Lockett A (2016). Pluralized leadership in complex organizations: Exploring the cross network effects between formal and informal leadership relations. LEADERSHIP QUARTERLY, 27(2), 280-297. Author URL.
White L, Burger K, Yearworth M (2016). Understanding behaviour in problem structuring methods interventions with activity theory. European Journal of Operational Research, 249(3), 983-1004. Abstract.
Wang X, White L, Chen X (2015). Big data research for the knowledge economy: past, present, and future. INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENT & DATA SYSTEMS, 115(9). Author URL.
Wang X, Chan HK, White L (2014). A comprehensive decision support model for the evaluation of eco-designs. JOURNAL OF THE OPERATIONAL RESEARCH SOCIETY, 65(6), 917-934. Author URL.
Ackermann F, Franco LA, Rouwette E, White L (2014). Special issue on problem structuring research and practice. EURO Journal on Decision Processes, 2(3-4), 165-172.
White L, Currie G, Lockett A (2014). The enactment of plural leadership in a health and social care network: the influence of institutional context. LEADERSHIP QUARTERLY, 25(4), 730-745. Author URL.
Currie G, Burgess N, White L, Lockett A, Gladman J, Waring J (2014). The knowledge brokering role of middle level managers (MLMs) in service innovation: Managing the translation gap in patient safety for elderly care. Health and Social Care Delivery Research, 2(32), 1-118.
Yearworth M, White L (2014). The non-codified use of problem structuring methods and the need for a generic constitutive definition. European Journal of Operational Research, 237(3), 932-945. Abstract.
Yearworth M, White L (2013). The uses of qualitative data in multimethodology: Developing causal loop diagrams during the coding process. European Journal of Operational Research, 231(1), 151-161. Abstract.
Currie G, White L (2012). Inter-professional Barriers and Knowledge Brokering in an Organizational Context: the Case of Healthcare. ORGANIZATION STUDIES, 33(10), 1333-1361. Author URL.
White L, Smith H, Currie C (2011). OR in developing countries: a review. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPERATIONAL RESEARCH, 208(1), 1-11. Author URL.
Mingers J, White L (2010). A review of the recent contribution of systems thinking to operational research and management science. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPERATIONAL RESEARCH, 207(3), 1147-1161. Author URL.
White L (2009). Challenge of Research Ethics Committees to the nature of operations research. OMEGA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCE, 37(6), 1083-1088. Author URL.
White L, Lee GJ (2009). Operational research and sustainable development: Tackling the social dimension. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPERATIONAL RESEARCH, 193(3), 683-692. Author URL.
White L (2008). Connecting Organizations: Developing the Idea of Network Learning in Inter-Organizational Settings. SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE, 25(6), 701-716. Author URL.
White L (2008). Evaluating PSMs - Reply. JOURNAL OF THE OPERATIONAL RESEARCH SOCIETY, 59(1), 138-139. Author URL.
White L (2007). Understanding global cultures: Metaphorical journeys through 17 countries. By Martin J. Gannon. Published by Sage Publications, California, 1994, 392 pp. £42.50 (cloth), £19.95 (paper), ISBN 0 8039 5374 7 (cloth), 0 8039 5375 5 (paper). Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 12(3), 247-249.
White L, Bourne H (2007). Voices and values: Linking values with participation in ORMS in public policy making. OMEGA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCE, 35(5), 588-603. Author URL.
White L (2006). Aesthetics in OR/systems practice: Towards a concept of critical imagination as a challenge to systems thinking. SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE, 23(6), 779-791. Author URL.
Taket A, White L (2006). Wanted: Dead OR Alive—Ways of Using Problem‐structuring Methods in Community OR. International Transactions in Operational Research, 4(2), 99-108.
White L, Cant B (2003). Social networks, social support, health and HIV‐positive gay men. Health & Social Care in the Community, 11(4), 329-334.
White L (2003). The role of systems research and operational research in community involvement: a case study of a health action zone. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 20(2), 133-145.
White L (2002). Connection matters: exploring the implications of social capital and social networks for social policy. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 19(3), 255-269.
White L (2001). ‘Effective governance’ through complexity thinking and management science. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 18(3), 241-257.
White L (2000). Book Review: Diversity management: Triple Loop Learning. By R. L. Flood and N. R. A. Romm. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, 1996 253 pp. £24.95 ISBN 0 471 96449 2. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 14(6), 425-428.
White L (2000). Changing the “whole system” in the public sector. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 13(2), 162-177.
Taket A, White L (2000). Working with Heterogeneity: a Pluralist Strategy for Evaluation. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 14(2), 101-111.
Gregory A, White L, Van Gigch JP, Glanville R (1998). Book review. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 13(2), 179-185.
Taket A, White L (1998). Experience in the Practice of One Tradition of Multimethodology. Systemic Practice and Action Research, 11(2), 153-168.
White L, Taket A (1997). Beyond appraisal: Participatory Appraisal of Needs and the Development of Action (PANDA). Omega, 25(5), 523-534.
White L, McIntyre J, Taket A, Bryant J, Richardson N (1997). Book reviews. Systemic Practice and Action Research, 10(5), 635-654.
Taket A, White L (1996). Pragmatic pluralism—An explication. Systemic Practice and Action Research, 9(6), 571-586.
White L, Taket A (1996). The end of theory?. Omega, 24(1), 47-56.
Taket A, White L (1994). Doing community operational research with multicultural groups. Omega, 22(6), 579-588.
Scheeler D, White L, Spear R, Martin J (1993). Book reviews. Systemic Practice and Action Research, 6(2), 213-229.
Chapters
Lami IM, White L (2022). Are PSMs Relevant in a Digital Age? Towards an Ethical Dimension. In (Ed) The Palgrave Handbook of Operations Research, Springer Nature, 781-801.
Yearworth M, White L (2021). Group Support Systems: Experiments with an Online System and Implications for Same-Time/Different-Places Working. In (Ed) Handbook of Group Decision and Negotiation, Springer Nature, 681-706.
White L (2019). Conjoined capability, collective behavior and collaborative action: What's the connection?. In (Ed) Behavioral Operational Research: a Capabilities Approach, 299-319.
White L, Kunc M, Malpass J, Burger K (2019). Future directions. In (Ed) Behavioral Operational Research: a Capabilities Approach, 361-367.
Yearworth M, White L (2019). Group Support Systems: experiments with an online system and implications for same-time/different places working. In Kilgour DM, Eden C (Eds.) Handbook of Group Decision and Negotiation, Springer. Abstract.
Yearworth M, White L (2017). Demystifying facilitation: a new approach to investigating the role of facilitation in group decision support processes. In (Ed) , 69-86. Abstract.
White L (2016). Behavior beyond the model. In (Ed) Behavioral Operational Research: Theory, Methodology and Practice, 65-84. Abstract.
White L, Burger K, Yearworth M (2016). Big Data and Behavior in Operational Research: Towards a “Smart OR”. In Kunc M, Malpass J, White L (Eds.) Behavioral Operational Research Theory, Methodology and Practice, Palgrave Macmillan, 177-193. Abstract.
White L, Burger K, Yearworth M (2016). Smart cities:big data and behavioral operational research. In Kunc M, Malpass J, White L (Eds.) Behavioral Operational Research Theory, Methodology and Practice, Palgrave Macmillan, 303-318. Abstract.
Taket A, White L (2004). Playing with PANDA: the CybOrg and the Rhizome. In (Ed) Community Operational Research, Springer Nature, 253-272.
White L (2002). Community Matters: Community Operational Research Work on Health Needs on the Stonebridge Estate. In (Ed) Synergy Matters, Springer Nature, 361-366.
White L, Taket A (1997). A Report on an Action-Research Project to Strengthen the Research Base in Primary and Community Care. In (Ed) Systems for Sustainability, Springer Nature, 313-318.
Taket A, White L (1995). Working with Heterogeneity. In (Ed) Critical Issues in Systems Theory and Practice, Springer Nature, 517-522.
Conferences
Batolas D, White L (2022). TECHNOSTRESS AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION (Extended Abstract). Abstract.
White L, Yearworth M, Burger K (2015). Understanding PSM interventions through sense-making and the mangle of practice lens. Abstract.
Hale A, White L (2014). Developing a framework to establish collaborative enterprise networks. 2014 8th Annual IEEE Systems Conference (SysCon). 31st Mar - 3rd Apr 2014.
White L, Christopoulos DC (2011). The public sector as broker: an interim report. Author URL.
White L (2009). Understanding problem structuring methods interventions. Author URL.
Teaching
In the past I have taught:- Introduction to Management
- Business Analytics
- Digital Innovation Analytics and Leadership
- Digital Innovation and Health Care Management
