STEPHEN P. ROBBINS received his PhD from the University of Arizona. He previously worked for the Shell Oil Company and Reynolds Metals Company and has taught at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Concordia University in Montreal, the University of Baltimore, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, and San Diego State University. He is currently professor emeritus in management at San Diego State.

Dr. Robbins’s research interests have focused on conflict, power, and politics in organizations, behavioral decision making, and the development of effective interpersonal skills. His articles on these and other topics have appeared in such journals as Business Horizons, the California Management Review, Business and Economic Perspectives, International Management, Management Review, Canadian Personnel and Industrial Relations, and The Journal of Management Education.

Dr. Robbins also participates in masters track competition. Since turning 50 in 1993, he’s won 23 national championships and 14 world titles. He was inducted into the US Masters Track & Field Hall of Fame in 2005.

MARY COULTER received her PhD from the University of Arkansas. She held different jobs including high school teacher, legal assistant, and city government program planner before completing her graduate work. She has taught at Drury University, the University of Arkansas, Trinity University, and Missouri State University. She is currently professor emeritus of management at Missouri State University. In addition to Management, Dr. Coulter has published other books with Pearson including Fundamentals of Management (with Stephen P. Robbins), Strategic Management in Action, and Entrepreneurship in Action.