Mateo Cruz

  • Assistant Professor, Management
  • Ph.D. Columbia University
  • M.Phil. Columbia University
  • M.A. Columbia University
  • B.A. University of Portland

Teaching Interests

Organizational Behavior; Group & Team Dynamics; Managing Workplace Diversity; Inclusive Leadership; Applied Research Methods; Organization Consultation & Change

Research Interests

I study unconscious, invisible, and/or covert dynamics that occur in workplace contexts specific to diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and change. My goal is to advance scientific understanding about ways hidden dynamics between individuals and their organizations interact to influence career-related outcomes specifically for members of historically excluded groups. The purpose of my research is to inform evidence-based interventions in business and science careers.

Consulting/Practice Interests

Workplace diversity & inclusion; team dynamics; organizational culture & change

Bio

Dr. Mateo Cruz is an award-winning teacher-scholar at Bentley University. His primary research focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice (DEIJ), and change in groups & organizations. His research has been published in top management and psychology outlets and presented to academic & executive audiences in the US, Europe, and South Africa.

In conjunction with his research, Mateo holds 20+ years of experience as an organization development and change (ODC) consultant & trainer specializing in inclusive leadership, group & team dynamics, and organizational change. He currently serves as a Faculty Advisor to the Center for Women and Business at Bentley University and is a proud member of the Executive Board of Directors for GLSEN National, a leading LGBTQ+ education organization in the US.

Professional Links

Professional Memberships

  • Center for Positive Organizations’ (CPO) Community of Scholars 2023 - Present
  • Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals 2021 - Present
  • Management Faculty of Color Association, Inc. 2020 - Present
  • The Ph.D. Project 2018 - Present
  • Management & Organizational Behavior Teaching Society 2015 - Present
  • Academy of Management 2011 - Present
  • American Psychological Association 2008 - Present
  • Society for Industrial Organizational Psychology 2008 - Present
  • Boston Facilitators Roundtable 2017 - 2019
  • Awards and Honors

  • 2023, Innovation in Teaching Award, The Teaching and Scholary Affairs Committee
  • 2022, Best Paper Award Nomination, The 15th Annual Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Conference
  • 2022, Nominee, Joseph M. Cronin Award for Excellence in Academic Advising and Mentoring, Bentley University
  • 2022, Early Educator Institute (EEI) Scholarship, Management & Organizational Behavior Teaching Society (MOBTS)
  • 2022, Nominee, Dr. Earl L. Avery Leadership Award, The Office of Diversity and Inclusion
  • 2021, Innovation in Teaching Award, Teaching and Scholarly Affairs Committee (TSAC), Bentley University
  • 2021, Best Scholarly Capstone, Mengyao Lu (Faculty Advisor: Mateo Cruz, PhD), Bentley University
  • 2021, Nominee, Joseph M. Cronin Award for Excellence in Academic Advising and Mentoring, Bentley University
  • 2021, Nominee, Dr. Earl L. Avery Leadership Award, The Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Bentley University
  • 2020, Joseph M. Cronin Award for Excellence in Academic Advising and Mentoring, Bentley University
  • 2020, The Provost’s Doctoral Dissertation Grant, Columbia University
  • 2018, Nominee, The K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Award, Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U)
  • 2018, Valente Seminar Series on Intersectionality Fellowship, The Jeanne & Dan Valente Center for Arts & Sciences at Bentley University
  • 2018, Nominee, Joseph M. Cronin Award for Excellence in Academic Advising and Mentoring, Bentley University
  • 2017, Nominee, The Gregory H. Adamian Award for Excellence in Teaching, Bentley University
  • 2015, Doctoral Institute Scholarship, Organizational Behavior Teaching Society (OBTS)
  • 2011, Fellowship for Teaching & Diversity, Columbia University
  • Publications

    Journal Articles


  • Cruz, M., Nagy, N. (2022). Profiles in persistence: A latent profile analysis of multilevel coping strategies enacted among women in the sciences. Journal of Organizational Behavior.
  • Cruz, M., Golom, F. D. (2021). An open-systems approach to course redesign: Moving beyond the pulpit. Industrial and Organizational Psychology: Perspectives on Science and Practice, (13) 4 519-523.
  • Block, C. J., Cruz, M., Bairley, M. M., Harel-Marian, T., Roberson, L. (2019). Inside the prism of an invisible threat: Shining a light on the hidden work of contending with systemic stereotype threat in STEM fields. Journal of Vocational Behavior. 113 33-50.
  • Perry, E. L., Kulik, C. T., Golom, F. D., Cruz, M. (2019). Sexual harassment training: Often necessary but rarely sufficient. Industrial and Organizational Psychology: Perspectives on Science and Practice, (12) 1 89-92.

    Book Chapters


  • Cruz, M., Fong-Olivares, Y., Davi, W., Taveras Soriano, M. J. (2023). Adding the “J” for justice: Why and how Executive Education can center Social Justice in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) training for corporate leaders In , (Eds.) The Palgrave Handbook of Fulfillment, Wellness, and Personal Growth at Work.. Springer International Forthcoming.
  • Cruz, M. (2023). Stereotype Threat In B. A. Ritter, (Eds.) SAGE Business Core: Organizational Behavior. SAGE Publications, Inc.
  • Cruz, M., Fong-Olivares, Y., Davi, W. (2022). Brave dialogues: An essential leadership practice to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in organizations In J. Marques and D. Satinder, (Eds.) Leading with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Approaches, Practices and Cases for Integral Leadership Strategy. Future of Business and Finance (FBF) Book Series. 123-135. Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022
  • Golom, F. D., Cruz, M. (2021). Context-Levels-Culture (CLC): A diagnostic framework for consulting to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) change in organizations In Debra A. Noumair and Abraham B. Rami Shani, (Eds.) Research in Organizational Change and Development. 201-234. Emerald Publishing Limited
  • Cruz, M., Davi, W., Pfirman Schlosser, M., Jose Taveras Soriano, M. (). Teaching to Transcend: A Paradox Perspective on Transgender and Nonbinary Integration in the Management Classroom In Oscar Holmes IV, (Eds.) Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Effective Strategies to Lead, Teach, and Consult across Disciplines and Demographics . Forthcoming.

  • Conference Proceedings


  • Pervez, A.Cruz, M.Nagy, N.Lo, K. D. (2023). An Examination of Workplace Demands and Resources Among Trans/Nonbinary Employees Academy of Management Proceedings, (2023) 1
  • Shani, A. B.Noumair, D. A., .Cruz, M. (2022). Research in Organizational Change and Development: Conversations with ROCD 28, 29 and 30 authors. Academy of Management Proceedings, (2022) 1
  • Konrad, A. M.Cruz, M.Parker, S. (2020). Storming the last bastions: Women entering high prestige male-dominated occupations Academy of Management Proceedings, (2020) 1
  • Golom, F. D.Bilotta, I.Liberman, B. E.Cruz, M. (2020). The role of success information in changing stereotypes of gay and lesbian managers Academy of Management Proceedings, (2020) 1
  • Golom, F. D.Lilberman, B. E.Cruz, M. (2019). Gay and lesbian managerial stereotypes: A ten year comparison across two studies Academy of Management Proceedings, (2019) 1
  • Sanky, C.Fallar, R.Cruz, M.Reidenberg, J. S.Laitman, J. T. (2018). Enhancing anatomy education through student-led team dynamics initiatives The FASEB Journal, (32) 4

  • Conference Papers


  • Steinfield, L., Abbott, T., Cruz, M., Pierre-Louis, K., Hein, W. (2022). Coping with Intersectional Oppressions: Consumers’ Experience of the Neoliberal-Imperialist White-Supremacist Capitalist Patriarchy of Business SchoolsConsumer Culture Theory Consortium . 60-61.

  • Other(s)


  • Cornell, L., Galvan, R., Lusardi, M., Cruz, M. (2017). The importance of faculty voice.
  • Presentations

  • Daniels, D., Chiodini, S., Cruz, M. (2023). “A Universal Design for Faculty-led International Learning” Presented at the Diversity Abroad Global Inclusion Chicago, IL
  • Sargent, A., Cruz, M., Cooper, E., Bowes-Sperry, L., Yadav, M., Schneider, N., Zhu, X. (2023). “Transforming our Teaching: Integrating DEI into the Business Core” Presented at theAcademy of Management Annual Conference Boston, MA
  • Fong-Olivares, Y., Cruz, M., Davi, W. (2022). “Can business leaders learn social justice?: The disruptive role of Critical Race Theory-informed social justice pedagogy in executive education. ” Presented at theThe 15th International Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Conference (EDI) conference Cape Town, South Africa
  • Pervez, A., Cruz, M., Lo, K. (2022). “An exploratory study of trans* experiences with job demands and resources. ” Presented at theThe 15th International Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Conference (EDI) conference Cape Town, South Africa
  • Steinfield, L., Abbott, T., Cruz, M., Pierre-Louis, K. (2022). “Coping with intersectional oppressions: Consumers’ experience of the neoliberal- imperialist white-supremacist capitalist patriarchy of business schools.” Presented at theThe Consumer Culture Theory 2022 Conference Corvallis, OR
  • Cruz, M. (2021). “Think Manager, Think Straight?: The Content of Gay & Lesbian Managerial Stereotypes ” Presented at the Bentley Research Council 2021 Bentley University Research Showcase Waltham, MA
  • Gonzalez, C. B., Galvino, M., Martinez, P., Alsua, C. J., Portocarrero, F., Pacheco, D., Cruz, M. (2021). “Filling the void: Researching our Latinx experience” Presented at theAnnual Meeting of the Academy of Management Virtual (moderator)
  • Cruz, M. (2021). “Doing DEI in Corporate America” Presented at the Management Faculty of Color Association (MFCA) MFCA Virtual Conference (moderator) Virtual
  • Cruz, M., Block, C. J. (2021). “Still, she rises: A multidimensional approach to the development of the Response Inventory to Stereotype-threatening Environments Questionnaire (RISE-Q) ” Presented at the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) 2021 SIOP Annual Conference
  • Konrad, A. M., Cruz, M. (2020). “Storming the last bastions: Women entering high prestige male-dominated occupations” Presented at the Academy of Management Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management Virtual
  • Golom, F. D., Bilotta, I., Liberman, B. E., Cruz, M. (2020). “The role of success information in changing stereotypes of gay and lesbian managers” Presented at the Academy of Management Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management Virtual
  • Schwartz, M. H., van Esch, C., Cruz, M., Gonzalez, C. B., Anteby, M., Holmes IV, O., Messer, T. (2019). “LGBTQQIA+ inclusion in the Academy of Management: Understanding AoM as an inclusive organization” Presented at theAnnual Meeting of the Academy of Management Boston, MA
  • Golom, F. D., Liberman, B. E., Cruz, M. (2019). “Gay and lesbian managerial stereotypes: A ten year comparison across two studies.” Presented at theAnnual Meeting of the Academy of Management Boston, MA
  • Cruz, M., Block, C. J. (2019). “Invisible threats: Contending with systemic stereotype threat in STEM” Presented at theThe Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI) Conference San Diego, CA
  • Cruz, M. (2019). “Inside the Prism of an Invisible Threat” Presented at the Arizona State University and The National Science Foundation's ADVANCE program Interdisciplinarity, Diversity and Intersectionality Workshop Phoenix, AZ
  • Perry, E. L., Golom, F. D., Block, C. J., Cruz, M., Noumair, D. A., Ferdman, B. M. (2018). “Moving beyond he said/she said: A systemic approach to sexual harassment in organizations” Presented at theAnnual Meeting of the Academy of Management Chicago, IL
  • Sanky, C., Newman, D., Cruz, M., Laitman, J. T., Fallar, R. (2018). “From Individual to Team Member: Enhancing Anatomy Education Through Student-led Team Dynamics Initiatives” Presented at the CUNY School of Medicine The Medical Education Subway Summit 2018 New York, NY
  • Sanky, C., Newman, D., Cruz, M., Laitman, J. T., Fallar, R. (2018). “From Individual to Team Member: Enhancing Anatomy Education Through Student-led Team Dynamics Initiatives” Presented at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai The Institute for Medical Education - Education Research Day 2018 New York, NY
  • Sanky, C., Faller, R., Cruz, M., Reidenberg, J., Laitman, J. (2018). “Enhancing Anatomy Education through Student-led Team Dynamics Initiatives” Presented at the American Association of Anatomists (AAA) Annual Meeting at Experimental Biology 2018 San Diego, CA
  • Cruz, M., Opara, V., Hwang, S., Haq, R., Davi, W. (2017). “An Intersectional Examination of Career Advancement Strategies for Women” Presented at the2017 Bentley Research Colloquium: The Future of Work: The Changing Workplace, Workforce and Nature of Work Waltham, MA
  • Cruz, M., Davi, W. (2017). “Building Strategies, Bridging Differences: An Intersectional Dialogue about Individual and Institutional Strategies to Advance (all) Women at Work ” Presented at the Brunel Business School, Brunel University The 10th International Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Conference (EDI) conference London, UK
  • Cruz, M., Block, C. J. (2016). “Career Navigation Under Conditions of Stereotype Threat: Examining Strategies and Long-term Response Patterns” Presented at the Association of American Colleges & Universities Transforming STEM Education Boston, MA
  • Cruz, M. (2016). “Navigating Stereotype Threat at Work” Presented at the Bentley University Annual Research Showcase Waltham, MA
  • Cruz, M., et, a. (2015). “Inside Out: How Learning in Community is Reflected in How We Teach” Presented at theOrganizational Behavior Teaching Conference La Verne, CA
  • Roberson, L., Bernstein, A., Cruz, M., Dillard, J., Gipson, A., Fudman, R., Kim, R. (2014). “Self-presentation strategies of non-native speakers of English: Impression management dimensions” Presented at the Teachers College, Columbia University Doctoral Program Mini-Conference New York, NY
  • Roberson, L., Bernstein, A., Cruz, M., Dillard, J., Fudman, R., Kim, R., Tuber, J. (2013). “Stereotypes and saliva: Incorporating physiological measures into stereotype threat research. ” Presented at the Teachers College, Columbia University Doctoral Program Mini-Conference New York, NY
  • Roberson, L., Cruz, M., Fudman, R., Kim, R., Pegues, D. (2012). “Speaking from experience: An exploration of the impact of stereotype threat on self-presentation and outcomes for non-native speakers” Presented at the Teachers College, Columbia University Doctoral Program Mini-Conference New York, NY
  • Block, C. J., Bairley, M., Cruz, M., Harel-Marian, T. (2011). “Stereotype threat in the workplace: A multi-perspective and multi-method exploration” Presented at theAnnual Meeting of the Academy of Management San Antonio, TX
  • Cruz, M. (2011). “Multicultural curriculum transformation: Developing a competency- based model for the education and training of future organizational practitioners” Presented at the Teachers College, Columbia University Dean's Grant for Student Research Poster Session New York, NY
  • Cruz, M. (2011). “The power of context: Re-examining the relationship between negative affectivity and job satisfaction in countercultural organizations” Presented at the Teachers College, Columbia University Doctoral Program Mini-Conference New York, NY
  • Block, C. J., Bairley, M., Cruz, M., Harel-Marian, T. (2010). “Stereotype threat and women in the academic sciences: Behavioral strategies” Presented at the Teachers College, Columbia University Doctoral Program Mini-Conference New York, NY
  • Artistic and Professional Performances and Exhibits

  • ONE MIC: Global Stories of Change, (2023).
  • We are Waltham, (2023).
  • Service

    Department Service


  • Committee Member for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Curriculum Committee 2022 - Present
  • Committee Member for OB Tenure Track Hiring Committee 2022 - Present
  • Committee Member for Assurance of Learning (AOL) for MG 240 2022 - Present
  • Mentor (Faculty) for MG116/GB215 Teaching Team 2021 - Present
  • Committee Member for OB Curriculum Revision Committee 2021 - 2022
  • Committee Member for GB215 Teaching Team 2016 - 2021
  • Committee Member for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Working Group 2020 - 2021
  • Committee Member for Management Teaching Committee 2018 - 2020
  • Committee Member for GB215 Team Project Review 2017 - 2018
  • University Service


  • Committee Member for Faculty Advisory Committee LMS Implementation 2022 - Present
  • Student Organization Advisor for Alpha Psi Omega - National Theatre Honor Society 2021 - Present
  • Student Organization Advisor for The Bentley Investment Group (BIG) Diversity & Inclusion Committee 2020 - Present
  • Faculty Advisor for The Gloria Cordes Larson Center for Women and Business 2018 - Present
  • Student Organization Advisor for Delta Sigma Pi - Professional Business Fraternity 2017 - Present
  • Conference/Workshop Organizer for Bentley Service Learning & Civic Engagement Center (BSLCE) - 2023
  • Conference/Workshop Organizer for Culture Fest - 2023
  • Guest Speaker for African Students Association (ASA) - 2023
  • Conference/Workshop Organizer for Bentley Teaching & Learning Council - 2023
  • Program Organizer for BSLCE Social Justice Faculty Fellow 2022 - 2023
  • Guest Speaker for Delta Sigma Pi - Professional Business Fraternity - 2023
  • Guest Speaker for Bentley Consulting Association (BCA) - 2022
  • Guest Speaker for Annual Giving and Advancement Relations - 2022
  • Guest Speaker for Delta Sigma Pi - Professional Business Fraternity - 2022
  • Facilitator for Faculty & Staff Diversity Retreat, Office of Diversity and Inclusion - 2022
  • Guest Speaker for The Office of Diversity & Inclusion - 2022
  • Guest Speaker for The Bentley Learning & Teaching Council's (BLTC) Annual Teaching Colloquium - 2022
  • Guest Speaker for Rainbow Graduation, Gender and Sexuality Student Programs - 2022
  • Guest Speaker for Coming Full Circle (CFC) - 2022
  • Committee Member for Strategic Planning Committee - Positioning & Partnerships 2021 - 2022
  • Guest Speaker for Alpha Psi Omega - National Theatre Honor Society - 2021
  • Committee Member for Racial Justice Task Force 2020 - 2021
  • Capstone Advisor for The Bentley University Honors Program 2020 - 2021
  • Committee Member for Associate Dean of DE&I Search - 2021
  • Guest Speaker for The Office of Diversity & Inclusion - 2021
  • Guest Speaker for Office of Undergraduate Admission - 2021
  • Guest Speaker for Gender and Sexuality Student Programs Office - 2021
  • Conference/Workshop Organizer for The Office of Diversity & Inclusion - 2021
  • Design Team for The Office of Diversity & Inclusion 2020 - 2020
  • Guest Speaker for FirstGen Presidential Fellows Pre-Arrival Program - 2020
  • Mentor (Faculty) for Valente Center Undergraduate Research Program 2019 - 2020
  • Convocation Speaker, Remarks from the Faculty - 2019
  • Baccalaureate Speaker, Remarks from the Faculty - 2019
  • Committee Member for Core Values Working Group 2018 - 2019
  • Guest Speaker for Delta Sigma Pi - Professional Business Fraternity - 2018
  • Team Coach for Deans' Case Competition - 2018
  • Guest Speaker for Multicultural Center - 2017
  • Committee Member for Assurance of Learning (AOL) - 2016
  • Professional Service


  • Reviewer, Ad Hoc Reviewer for Group Processes and Intergroup Relations 2023 - Present
  • Editorial Review Board Member for SAGE Business Education (Biz) 2023 - Present
  • Reviewer, Ad Hoc Reviewer for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal 2022 - Present
  • Reviewer, Journal Article for International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management 2021 - 2021
  • Reviewer, Conference Paper for The Academy of Management Annual Meeting 2021 - 2021
  • Reviewer, Journal Article for Communications Earth & Environment (Nature Research) 2020 - 2020
  • Reviewer, Journal Article for Journal of Geoscience Education 2019 - 2019