Laurel Austin
Associate Professor, Management Science
Expertise:
Behavioural Economics, Decision Analysis, Risk Management
Laurel Austin is an Adjunct Research Professor in Management Science. As a behavioural decision theorist, Laurel applies decision science and behavioural science methods to understand how people perceive risk and how information framing predictably impacts choices. She builds on these insights to develop interventions and risk communications that improve informed decision making and risk management practices. She is currently examining how digital screening tools introduced throughout Canada as a response to the pandemic impact medical decision making. She has also researched risk perceptions and behaviour in high-risk occupations, retailer decision making, consumer insurance decisions, and computer-supported collaborative decision making.
Prior to joining Ivey, Laurel was an Associate Professor of Strategic Decision Making and Risk Management at the Copenhagen Business School in Denmark. She earned her PhD in Management and Decision Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University, and an MSE in Industrial and Operations Engineering at University of Michigan.
Programs
Level up your ability to manage risk, communicate under pressure, and drive organizational resilience, ensuring your team can navigate crises and capitalize on opportunities for long-term success.
Starts March 6, 2025
Online Learning
Practice the essential skills to enhance your leadership with data. Work more effectively with data professionals and use data insights for decision-making.
Starts April 14, 2025
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Articles
Why Cybersecurity Matters To All Leaders – Including You
Listen to a podcast episode on the importance of cybersecurity and how leaders can integrate cybersecurity measures into organizational culture hosted by Ivey Professor Mazi Raz.
How Decision Traps and Risk Perception Can Influence the Choices You Make
Dr. Laurel Austin suggests some of the most common decision traps in organizations, along with tactics that all leaders can use to avoid biases.
Building System Resilience to Future Risk
Explore the importance of building resilience to create a system where organizations and communities are better prepared to withstand future risks.
Managing Risk and Leading Business Resilience
We delve into real-world examples of disruptive threats—ranging from cyberattacks to natural disasters—and discuss innovative strategies organizations have used to weather these challenges. Moderated by Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director of The Ivey Academy, and featuring Laurel Austin, Associate Professor of Management Science.