A&M-Commerce is a place that nurtures future world citizens.
Saurabh Srivastava, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
- Faculty
Saurabh Srivastava is interested in how firms compete in a dynamic and uncertain environment at the broadest level. Therefore, his primary research revolves around various aspects that influence firm performance, primarily individual and organizational level capabilities. Srivastava believes that research questions are not inherently discipline-specific, and therefore, he chooses to conduct interdisciplinary research. He does this by examining problems from different perspectives. This way, researchers can see the possible limitations of each perspective and design research methodologies to minimize those limitations.
A Conversation with Dr. Saurabh Srivastava
What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending A&M-Commerce?
A&M-Commerce provides a unique learning environment to students. Programs are rigorous but flexible to allow both conventional and non-conventional students to learn and achieve success. Smaller class size allows a rich learning environment through one-on-one interaction between instructors and students. It also enables instructors to focus on individual students’ needs and keep abreast with students’ progress. Another advantage is that the teaching faculty comes from multiple cultural and educational backgrounds with vast professional and academic experiences. Students are exposed to diversified knowledge domains and learn from multiple perspectives. A&M-Commerce is a place that nurtures future world citizens.
What draws you to teaching?
I believe that teaching offers unique growth opportunities. For students, individual perspectives can be refined. For instructors, it can be a stimulating environment consisting of innovative ways to share knowledge. As an instructor, I work to capitalize on the opportunities available within the learning environment. I work to ensure that the course content translates into tools that can be stored and used later. I also strive to achieve a greater appreciation for the value of learning. My teaching philosophy stems from my academic and professional experiences and is inspired by my mentors. Underlying my intention to positively influence students' learning are two primary goals: (1) to promote a positive learning environment for all students, and (2) to provide a foundation that encourages lifelong learning.
What has been your favorite course to teach?
Strategic management is my favorite course to teach. My doctoral studies and research are in strategic management; therefore, this course is close to my heart. I share my academic research with the class to illustrate how simple questions can lead to lifelong learning. Explaining how my research informs the material that they are learning and how it invites critique from others shows how the cycle of lifelong learning continues. I bring my research into the classroom using open discussions to solicit ideas on what problems exist and how they may be resolved. In this manner, my teaching informs my research by identifying a new lens to view my research question. On other occasions, my research informs my teaching by inspiring me to decompose complex theories and principles into more straightforward concepts for students to understand.
Tell us about a project you are currently working on or recently completed.
Recently, Dr. Guclu Atinc, Dr. Sonia Taneja and I have published a study on gender quota on corporate boards. Recently, some countries have mandated gender quotas on corporate boards of publicly-traded companies. We conducted and published a cross-country comparative study. Although previous research suggests that female board members positively impact firm outcomes, we were intrigued to determine whether gender quota serves the purpose. We found that, as compared to their counterparts, firms in quota countries have a higher number of female directors, better market-based performance and better governance through a higher number of independent female directors.
Tell us about your research interest.
My research interest relates to how firms compete in a dynamic and uncertain environment at the broadest level. Thus, my primary research stream revolves around various aspects that influence firm performance, primarily individual and organizational level capabilities. I examine this through a few different disciplines: strategic management, entrepreneurship, organizational and organizational theory.
Educational Background
- Ph.D., Strategic Management, University of North Texas, 2017
- MBA, University of Louisiana, Monroe, 2012
- M. Pharmacy, Clinical & Hospital Pharmacy, Rajiv Gandhi University, Bangalore, India
- B. Pharmacy, Rajiv Gandhi University, Bangalore, India
Academic Positions
- Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2017 – Present
Professional Organizations
Research Interests
- Dynamic Capabilities
- Corporate Governance
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
Featured Courses
MGT 308 Entrepreneurial Strategy