Organizational Behavior Mock Class with Professor Jenny Hoobler – Sept 17

Want to know what it’s really like in one of our unique classroom settings? We’re hosting an exciting MBA mock class this Monday where you can do just that.

This Employee Motivation lecture with Professor Jenny M. Hoobler will be held on Monday, September 17, at UIC Student Center East. The class will focus on a central topic in organizational behavior and employee motivation–including contemporary theory in this area. You will also analyze what motivates you professionally and what job characteristics you should look for as you evaluate a future career or job change.

Space is limited in this mock class session, so be sure to register today by clicking here to secure your spot. You do not want to miss this class!

Jenny Hoobler, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the UIC Department of Managerial Studies in the College of Business Administration and has been teaching at UIC for 7 years. Her areas of interest are Human Resource Management, Organizational Behavior and Women’s Studies. Professor Hoobler’s research specialties are Dysfunctional Organizational Behavior, Family and Work Intersections and Gender and Diversity in Organizations. Learn more about Professor Hoobler in the Q&A forum below.

What is your most interesting research project?

The research project I am currently working on is quite interesting. We found that perceptions that women “don’t fit” with their organizations and jobs can be fully explained by their bosses’ (both women and men’s) perceptions that the women experience work and family conflict. That is, the glass ceiling cannot be explained by women being a mismatch with business organizations and jobs. Rather, it’s stereotypes related to their work-family conflict that hurt women’s careers. And it’s not just male bosses that stereotype, but both sexes.

How do Liautaud’s programs prepare students for a quickly-changing marketplace?

In my class and I know in many others, you don’t memorize long lists of information. Instead, each assignment is focused on practicing the concepts and theories you learn in class. In this way, you’ll leave UIC Liautaud with a toolbox of knowledge that you will know how to apply to new and different situations you’ll encounter throughout your career. While you’ll learn the traditional business canon here, it has real value in that it’s taught in a practical way. You’ll be prepared no matter what the business climate brings.

What is your favorite aspect of UIC?

The diversity among students is my favorite aspect of this university. Not only am I able to benefit from UIC’s diverse campus community, but students benefit from the interaction with one other as well. Some may realize it now, while I think others may look back on their years at UIC and realize what a rich, multicultural experience they had.

What do you do on your days off?

Run, take my dog to the Montrose doggie beach and cook.

What is one interesting fact about you?

I’m a traveler. My husband, Ryan Kilpatrick, and I climbed to the base camp of Mt. Everest in 2003. It took me two weeks to complete the journey but after doing so, I realized I can do anything. And we also lived in South Africa last year while I was on a Fulbright, studying women’s representation in leadership positions in SA corporations.

Why do you feel an MBA is essential in the business world?

An undergrad degree is almost what a high school degree used to be, given how many people attain a BS or BA These days, you need an advanced degree to set yourself apart from others. But perhaps more importantly, an MBA degree is valuable for self-development and to signal to employers that you believe in lifelong continuous learning.

What was the last book you read for fun?

“Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter.” My mom and I both read it; I acquired my love of reading from her. It was also my book club’s selection this month. I’m in a book club with other professional women who live in and around Little Italy.

What drew you to UIC? What made you want to teach here?

I was drawn to UIC because I wanted to teach and do research in the PhD program in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources. But also it was important to me that there were senior researchers that I felt I could learn a tremendous amount from such as Professors Liden and Wayne. The urban location of the university and the diversity of the faculty and students were also factors that I considered very important.

Do you have any funny moments from your early days of teaching?

I had an adult male student who asked me if he could bring his four-year-old son to class. His son wanted to know “what daddy’s school was like.” I agreed to allow my student to bring his son to class. When I walked into class, everyone was aware that he was there and they were paying a lot of attention to the child. I started class and about ten minutes into it, the entire class was laughing hysterically. Apparently, the child was bored out of his mind and let out a very loud, drawn-out yawn. The entire class must have felt the same way about my lecture, but he was the only one to indicate it!

What do you enjoy most about Chicago? Do you have any favorite spot in the city?

I enjoy the view looking back at the city from the bike trail around the Shedd Aquarium, classes at the Botanic Garden, Lula Café in Logan Square, Sweet Maple Café on Taylor, and avocado milkshakes from Joy Yee’s on Halsted. I especially enjoy these spots when I’m spending time with my husband, my sister Jaimie and my brother-in-law Zach. Chicago’s a great place to live!

What advice do you have for MBA students?

I would recommend that students not treat UIC as a commuter campus. The more interaction you have with fellow students the more you will get out of your time here at UIC. Get involved in student activities and make friends.

MBA Mock Class
Jenny Hoobler, PhD
Monday, Sept. 17
6 – 7 p.m.
Register here