Jody Hoffer Gittell
Professor, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management
Director, Relational Coordination Collaborative Brandeis University
Jody Hoffer Gittell is Professor of Management at Brandeis University’s Heller School, Director of the Relational Coordination Collaborative, and Co-Founder of Relational Coordination Analytics. Dr. Gittell has developed Relational Coordination Theory, proposing that highly interdependent work is most effectively coordinated through networks of shared goals, shared knowledge, and mutual respect, supported by frequent, timely, accurate, problem-solving communication. The Relational Model of Change shows how participants can design structural, relational and work process interventions to strengthen relational coordination and related performance outcomes. The performance outcomes of relational coordination are well documented in healthcare systems and with their community partners. Evidence shows that relational coordination matters most under conditions of interdependence, uncertainty and time constraints, thus serving as a source of resilience in times of stress.
Dr. Gittell has published dozens of scientific articles and six books including The Southwest Airlines Way; High Performance Healthcare; Sociology of Organizations; Transforming Relationships for High Performance; and Relational Analytics: Guidelines for Analysis and Action. She frequently supports organizations and consultants by offering guidance on relational methods for assessment, improvement and change.