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Ian Larkin is an associate professor in the Strategy group at UCLA Anderson School of Management. His research focuses on compensation, incentives, and employee motivation within human resources. Larkin's academic career began as an assistant professor at Harvard Business School before he returned to California to join UCLA Anderson, where he was appointed senior associate dean of MBA programs in 2025. His primary research investigates corporate awards programs and their impact on employee performance, particularly the unintended consequences on decision-making across various industries, including technology and health care. Larkin also explores the effects of workplace wellness programs on employee productivity and motivation through novel approaches like 'gamification.' His work is published in reputable journals such as the Journal of American Medical Association, Management Science, and the Strategic Management Journal, and he serves as an associate editor for Management Science. Larkin holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona and a Ph.D. from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. He has lived in China, Japan, and Taiwan, acquiring conversational skills in Mandarin and Japanese, which enhanced his professional opportunities at McKinsey & Company. In his personal time, he enjoys cooking and traveling, as well as writing fiction and supporting the Green Bay Packers.
UCLA Anderson School of Management • Los Angeles, CA
Focuses on research in compensation, incentives, and employee motivation.
McKinsey & Company • Hong Kong and Silicon Valley
Advised senior executives on corporate strategy in the banking and high technology sectors.
Harvard Business School •
Launched academic career with focus on business management and strategy.
Department of Economics admits primarily for the PhD program.