Rachel McDonald

I am an Adjunct Professor of Management at Columbia Business School, teaching courses in negotiation and leadership in the undergraduate, MBA and Executive MBA programs. Before joining CBS I was an Assistant Professor in Social Psychology at the University of Kansas.

My research interests span social and environmental psychology. I am interested in social norms, persuasion and behavior change. Much of my work focuses on examining social psychological constructs that may be used to leverage increased support for/engagement in sustainable policies and practices, as well as in examining psychological responses to environmental issues.

My research is broadly concerned with how social factors influence decisions with environmental consequences. Across several lines of work I examine the factors that predict willingness to engage in individual pro-environmental behaviors, pay for pro-environmental products, take political action in support of environmental issues, and support sustainable policies.

My research explores diverse topics such as social influence and the effects of influence from multiple groups, morality and moral identity, ingroup responsibility as a threat to positive identity, and how to optimally frame the psychological distance of climate change to encourage concern and action.

Education

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) The University of Queensland (2009 — 2013)
• Bachelor’s Degree The University of Queensland (2000 — 2003)

Companies

• Director, Behavioral Research Lab Columbia Busi (2020)
• Adjunct Professor of Business (Management) Columbia Business School (2016)
• Customer Experience Strategy and Insights Medallia (2017 — 2018)
• Assistant Professor of Social Psychology The University of Kansas (2014 — 2017)
• Postdoctoral Research Fellow UNSW Australia (2013 — 2014)
• Ph.D. Candidate and Lecturer The University of Queensland (2009 — 2012)
• Day Care Coordinator The Centre for Better Health (2006 — 2007)
• EcoBiz Coordinator The Manly Hotel (2005 — 2006)
• Field Research Coordinator Asociación PRETOMA (2004 — 2004)