Dr. Kate Kearins

Biography

Kate Kearins is an experienced university leader and executive team member, currently leading distinct faculties. She began her career as a teacher in local government before moving into academia, where she has made significant contributions in the fields of business, education, management, and sustainability. Kate became a Professor of Management at Auckland University of Technology in 2003 and has held various leadership roles including Head of the Department of Management and Director of Postgraduate Programmes. Under her leadership, AUT Business School achieved the prestigious international EQUIS accreditation. Initially, her research focused on power dynamics within organizations, but she has expanded to critically examine organizational rhetoric and business sustainability, reflecting her commitment to fostering responsible and ethical business practices. Her teaching primarily centers on strategic environmental management and sustainability. Kate has authored over 100 academic papers, more than 50 of which have been published in peer-reviewed journals. Her work has received international awards and she has been involved in successful Marsden Fund research projects. Furthermore, she is a past recipient of the AUT Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Research Supervision. Kate has also served on the Board of Governors for the US-based Academy of Management and as past president of the Australian New Zealand Academy of Management. She is currently on the Board of Directors for the US-based Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which conducts EQUIS and AACSB reviews of business schools worldwide. Additionally, Kate writes the 'Managing World' column for the New Zealand Management Magazine, sharing her research-driven insights on management and leadership.

Research Interests