Adrian Furnham

Adrian Frank Furnham, born on February 3, 1953, in Port Shepstone, Union of South Africa, is a distinguished British psychologist holding chartered status in both occupational and health psychology accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). He currently serves as an adjunct professor at BI Norwegian Business School and holds a professorship at University College London. Over the course of his career, Furnham has imparted his expertise in various academic settings, including Pembroke College, Oxford, University of New South Wales, University of West Indies, Hong Kong University Business School, and Henley Management College.

With a diverse array of research interests spanning applied, economic, health, occupational, social, and differential psychology, Furnham has amassed an impressive body of work. His scholarly contributions include 92 published books and over 1,200 peer-reviewed journal articles as of 2018. Recognized for his substantial academic contributions, he was honored with the British Psychological Society Academic Contribution to Practice Award in 2011 and holds fellowship status within the organization.

Furnham's academic journey commenced at the University of Natal, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree, followed by an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree in 1973. He then undertook a Master of Arts degree, focusing on cross-cultural conformity and field dependence. Subsequently, he pursued a master's degree in economics at the University of London, delving into the nuances of person perception through verbal, vocal, and visual cues. Further advancing his education, he obtained a Master of Science degree from the University of Strathclyde, exploring the impact of sex and class factors on social perception. His academic pursuit culminated in a doctorate from Oxford in 1981, supplemented by subsequent honorary doctorates, including a D.Sc. from London in 1991 and a D.Litt. from Natal in 1997.

What subjects and genres does Adrian Furnham write in?

Furnham writes primarily in psychology and applied social sciences, with a strong focus on occupational and organizational psychology, leadership, personnel selection, personality and intelligence, workplace behaviour, management, and consumer/health psychology.

Which of his books are good starting points for new readers?

For a broad introduction try Psychology 101. For workplace and leadership topics start with The Psychology of Behaviour at Work or The Elephant in the Boardroom. For personnel and assessment topics try The Psychology of Personnel Selection or Personality and Intelligence at Work.

Is there a recommended reading order or are his books part of a series?

Most of Furnham's books are standalone and topic-focused rather than a continuous series. Choose titles by subject area (e.g., leadership, personnel selection, personality) and read introductory overviews first before moving to specialist texts.

Which of his works should I read if I'm interested in leadership and workplace problems?

Key titles on those themes include The Elephant in the Boardroom (leadership derailment), The Psychology of Behaviour at Work, Bad Apples (managing negative behaviour at work), and Head and Heart Management (attitudes and emotions in management).

What are his credentials and notable recognitions relevant to his writing?

Furnham is a chartered occupational and health psychologist, a professor at University College London and adjunct professor at BI Norwegian Business School. He has published many books and articles (about 92 books and 1,200+ peer-reviewed articles as of 2018) and received the British Psychological Society Academic Contribution to Practice Award in 2011; he is also a BPS fellow and holds honorary doctorates.