Jenny Hoobler, PhD
Assistant Professor
Managerial Studies

Degree: PhD, University of Kentucky
Courses: MGMT 541: Organizational Behavior
Areas of Interest: Human Resource Management, Organizational Behavior, Women's Studies
Research Specialties: Dysfunctional Organizational Behavior, Family and Work Intersections, Gender and Diversity in Organizations

Which class do you enjoy teaching the most and why?
MGMT 541: Organizational Behavior. Because most students have work experience, they can relate to it and grasp on easily. The class is enjoyable because everyone gets involved and participates in the discussion.

What is your most interesting research project?
The research project I am currently working on is quite interesting. We found that perceptions that women "don't fit" with their organizations and jobs can be fully explained by their bosses' (both women and men's) perceptions that the women experience work and family conflict. That is, the glass ceiling cannot be explained by women being a mismatch with business organizations and jobs. Rather, it's stereotypes related to their work-family conflict that hurt women's careers. And it's not just male bosses that stereotype, but both sexes.

What is your favorite aspect of UIC?
The diversity among students is my favorite aspect of this university. Not only am I able to benefit from UIC's diverse campus community but students benefit from the interaction with one another as well. Some may realize it now, while I think others may look back on their years at UIC and realize what a rich, multicultural experience they had.

What do you do on your days off?
Run, take my dog to the Montrose doggie beach and cook.

What is one interesting fact about you?
I climbed to the base camp of Mt. Everest. It took me two weeks to complete the journey but after doing so, I realized I can do anything.

Why do you feel an MBA is essential in the business world?
An undergrad degree is almost what a high school degree used to be, given how many people attain a BS or BA. These days, you need an advanced degree to set yourself apart from others. An MBA degree is important for self development and to signal to employers that you believe in lifelong continuous learning.

What was the last book you read for fun?
"The Meaning of Wife" by Anne Kingston.

What drew you to UIC? What made you want to teach here?
I was drawn to UIC because I wanted to teach and do research in the PhD program in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources. But also it was important to me that there were senior researchers that I felt I could learn a tremendous amount from such as Professors Liden and Wayne. The urban location of the university and the diversity of the faculty and students were also factors that I considered very important.

Do you have any funny moments from your early days of teaching?
I had an adult male student who asked me if he could bring his four-year-old son to class. His son wanted to know "what daddy's school was like." I agreed to allow my student to bring his son to class. When I walked into class, everyone was aware that he was there and they were paying a lot of attention to the child. I started class and about ten minutes into it, the entire class was laughing hysterically. Apparently, the child was bored out of his mind and let out a very loud, drawn-out yawn. The entire class must have felt the same way about my lecture, but he was the only one to indicate it!

What advice do you have for MBA students?
I would recommend that students not treat UIC as a commuter campus. The more interaction you have with fellow students the more you will get out of your time here at UIC. Get involved in student activities and make friends.

What do you enjoy most about Chicago? Do you have any favorite spot in the city?
I enjoy the doggie beach on Montrose, the view looking back at the city from the trail around the Shedd Aquarium, Blackbird restaurant on Randolph, Sweet Maple Café on Taylor, and Bubble Tea from Joy Yee's in Chinatown. Chicago's a great place to live.


CONTACT THE LGSB:

Liautaud Graduate School of Business
815 W. Van Buren (MC 077) Suite 220
Chicago, IL 60607

Phone: (312) 996-4573
Fax: (312) 413-0338

E-mail: mba@uic.edu