Dr. Douglas Johnson

Areas of Expertise

• Behavior analysis, organizational behavior management, instructional design, training design/development, computer-based instruction, performance management, behavioral systems analysis, fluency training, incentives, feedback and employee motivation

Education

• B.S. in psychology, Central Michigan University (2001)
• M.A. in industrial/organizational psychology, Western Michigan University (2005)
• MBA, Western Michigan University (2025)
• Ph.D. in applied behavior analysis, Western Michigan University (2009)

View my CV

What's My Why?

I’ve always enjoyed teaching, from my early days as a lab instructor to my current role as a learning leader in corporate settings. In particular, I’ve found my strongest passion is in teaching others to teach (i.e., train-the-trainer) using best practices drawn from the science of behavior. As such, I’ve dedicated my career to instructing at the college level, coaching people to tutor/train others and building comprehensive training systems to support business and industry.

Professional Experience

Besides my role at Salve, I also work full-time as the global engagement and learning leader for Eastman Chemical Company, where I lead global initiatives related to leadership development, performance improvement, employee training, instructional design and performance management to guide learning, employee motivation and safety outcomes. I’ve also spent over 17 years working as a faculty member for various universities in various capacities (faculty specialist, assistant professor, associate professor, adjunct professor). In addition to my degrees, I have certifications in Lean Six Sigma, business analytics and behavior analysis. Additionally, I work as an associate editor for the Journal of Organizational Behavior Management.

Selected Publications

Johnson, D. A. (2013). A component analysis of the impact of evaluative and objective feedback on performance. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 33(2), 89-103.

Brethower, D. M., Dickinson, A. M., Johnson, D. A., & Johnson, C. M. (2022). A history of organizational behavior management. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 42(1), 3-35.

Johnson, D. A., Johnson, C. M., & Dave, P. (2023). Performance feedback in organizations: Understanding the functions, forms, and important features. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 43(1), 64-89.

Johnson, D. A., & Ferguson, R. (2023). On terms within organizational behavior management. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 43(2), 162-188.

Johnson, D. A., Li, A., McCalpin, A. L., & Laske, M. (2024). The advancement of training within business using behavior-based instructional design. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 44(2), 150-171.