NYU Wagner

Joe Magee’s research revolves around trying to understand the roles of hierarchy in organizations and society. His projects include investigations of how power differences transform the way people think and behave and how people figure out who has power over whom. These projects have revealed a series of reliable changes in the psychology of power-holders that seem to be potentially damaging for relationships, organizations, and society but, under certain conditions, actually can contribute to interpersonal and institutional effectiveness. He is also interested in the social role of emotion in groups and judgments about the moral character of others. Professor Magee teaches Managing Public Service Organizations, Power and Influence in Organizations and Politics, and the Capstone Advanced Team Seminar at the Wagner School.

Professor Magee has worked on issues of organizational strategy and structure, power and politics, conflict and negotiation, motivation, and organizational culture with various organizations including The United States Conference of Mayors, The National Association of Counties, and New York City Parks and Recreation.

Professor Magee received his B.A. from the University of Michigan and his Ph.D. from the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University.