Dr. Ruth Kanfer

Biography

Ruth Kanfer is a Professor in the School of Psychology at the Georgia Institute of Technology, focusing on the intersection of adult learning, motivation, and workforce development in the context of technological and demographic changes. With a Ph.D. in Psychology from Arizona State University, she investigates the psychological dimensions of work and career crafting. Her research spans four primary areas: adult learning resource management across the lifespan, self-management processes in job search and career crafting, motivational dynamics in team contexts, and the psychological aspects of career development and worker well-being. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, her work includes both qualitative and quantitative techniques to address contemporary challenges in the workforce. Kanfer's contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, and she has been elected as a Fellow of several prestigious associations including the Academy of Management and the American Psychological Association. She actively engages in editorial and advisory roles in various professional organizations and has contributed to national discussions on aging and work through her involvement with the Sloan Research Network. Her selected publications reflect her commitment to understanding work motivation and the dynamics of an age-diverse workforce.

Research Interests

Awards