Sverre Spoelstra
Associate Professor
Om
Primary research areas
I seek to rethink leadership and organization through philosophy and empirical study
In my research, I combine a philosophical interest in organizations with sociological studies of work. I question dominant ideas about leadership, ethics, and organizational problems, aiming to offer alternative ways of thinking. My work explores topics like gamification, academic labor, and especially leadership, where I challenge traditional ideals such as charisma and transformational leadership.
Recently, I’ve focused on digitalization and algorithmic leadership, where managerial functions like supervision, recruitment and motivation are increasingly handled by algorithms. I study how this shift affects employees and organizations, particularly in knowledge work, and reflect on the future of work.
By critically examining leadership and organizational life, I aim to foster more reflective and ethical approaches to management. My research contributes to public understanding of how power and control operate in modern workplaces and how we might respond to ongoing digital transformation.
Publications
See all publicationsnovember 2024
Games, incorporated
Nick Butler
Sverre Spoelstra, Associate Professor
Bent Meier Sørensen, Professor
Lena Olaison, Associate Professor
september 2024
Taking Credit for Stupidity
On Being a Student in the Performative University
Go to publicationaugust 2024
Redemption Through Play?
Exploring the Ethics of Workplace Gamification
Nick Butler
Sverre Spoelstra, Associate Professor