Professor Thomas Roulet was conferred to the Fellowship of the Academy in autumn 2024. He is Professor of Organisational Sociology and Leadership at the Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, and is also a Fellow in Psychology and Behavioural Science, and Co-Director of the King’s Entrepreneurship Lab at King’s College Cambridge. Thomas’ interdisciplinary work focuses on negative social evaluations and resilience in the workplace and in the context of institutional change and stakeholder relationships.
Professor Thomas RouletFAcSS
Thomas is a trustee of the Society for the Advancement of Management Studies, and he sits on the board of various journals including Organization Studies, Organization Science, the Journal of Management and the Journal of Management Studies. He has also regularly contributed to media outlets about his work including the Financial Times, The Economist, The Washington Post, Bloomberg, The Telegraph, The Guardian, ITV, Die Zeit, Le Monde, France 24 and BBC Radio London, in addition to writing a column for Forbes.
Why do the social sciences matter?
In fact, they matter more than ever! We need the toolkit to comprehend the world we live in – whether those are social science methods or conceptual frameworks. In an era of disinformation, polarisation and instability, social sciences can provide a balanced, evidence-based approach to decision makers.
What inspires you about your work?
What inspires me most about my work as an organisational theorist and sociologist is the opportunity to explore and unravel the intricacies of organisational life and its impact on society. I am fascinated by how organisations can be both a force for good and, at times, a source of dysfunction. The challenge of understanding these dualities and influencing positive change is what drives me. I also find inspiration in the possibility of shaping future leaders and thinkers, guiding them to see the world through a critical and empathetic lens. The potential of social science to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives is what keeps me passionate and engaged.
What is the most urgent issue social scientists need to tackle today and within the next three years?
The most urgent issue that social scientists need to tackle today is the evolving nature of work and organisations in the face of rapid technological advancements and geopolitical shifts. There is a pressing need to address how they impact worker wellbeing, job security, and the broader social fabric. Social scientists must also focus on reenchanting work —ensuring that even as tasks become automated, the human element of purpose and fulfilment in work is preserved.
What does being a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences mean to you?
I am very proud and honoured to become a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. It signifies recognition from my peers for the contributions I’ve made to the field and for the interdisciplinary nature of my work. Being a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences is also a responsibility to continue doing impactful work and supporting colleagues and the field in its development. As a scholar drawing from sociology, organisation theory and behavioural science, I also want to contribute to bringing those different fields closer to each other.