Anthony F. Buono: A Practical Sociologist for a Changing World

Abstract

Anthony F. Buono, an organizational sociologist whose career was guided by wide-ranging curiosity, a sense of humor, good-natured colleagueship, and, in general, an optimistic view of what could be, always thought of himself as a practical scholar. The chapter captures the evolution of his change-related work, focusing on the key contributions of his research: the role of organizational culture and human dynamics in post-merger and acquisition integration; the consulting process and intervention in organizations; the changing nature of change itself and our approaches that attempt to manage that change; and the movement toward responsible management and responsible management education. There was a close interplay between his research and his own approach to practice, as he used these insights in his various roles as a consultant, department chair, founder of Bentley University’s Alliance for Ethics and Social Responsibility, and working with the UN Global Compact’s Principles for Responsible Management Education initiative as well as in the classroom. Throughout his career, Tony was the ideal teacher-scholar.