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Visit Dr Hannah Kunst's University of Sydney Profiloe here: Dr Hannah Kunst at University of Sydney
We are excited to talk to Dr Hannah Kunst, an early career researcher working as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the discipline of Work and Organisational Studies at the University of Sydney Business School. A huge welcome to Dr Kunst today as we talk about her research and academic pursuits in advance of International Women’s Day 2024.
Can you describe a typical day at your workplace and how you achieve the all-important work-life balance?
Dr Kunst: I am definitely not the best, but I make an effort to maintain my work-life balance. I usually start work in the office (in the Business School in Sydney) at 9am, grab a coffee and write a to-do list for the day. I try to have the first hour meeting-free so I can work on deep-thinking tasks like reading, reviewing and writing. Afterwards, I respond to emails. I will have blocks of meetings/teaching/independent work until 5pm, and usually have lunch with co-workers around 12pm in our office. I have noticed that daily walks/exercise, using my sit-stand desk, and turning off my email notifications on my phone have made a huge difference in my motivation, productivity, and mood!
What role does collaboration play in your work, and can you share an example of a successful collaboration experience?
Dr Kunst: Collaboration plays a focal and crucial part in my work. My research focuses on interpersonal interactions and wellbeing at work, specifically in healthcare. To successfully carry out my research, effective collaboration with hospitals and employees on the wards is necessary - for example to get access, meet people, and understand important site-specific contexts. It's a two-way-street: we research things we find interesting, but that are also relevant or important for the hospital. We publish findings in journals, but also provide reports and individual feedback to help gain insights. In this way, the work becomes mutually beneficial.
What are some articles or books that you are reading right now? Pleasure or professional!
Dr Kunst: I have just finished the last book (the Hero of Ages) of Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy. Highly recommend if you're into fantasy! I am also re-reading Judge et al.'s 2002 meta-analysis on the five-factor model of personality and job satisfaction in preparation for my lectures this semester (on work psychology).
What is the primary focus of your current research, and why is it significant to your field?
Dr Kunst: The primary focus of my current research is extrinsic emotion regulation at work - how we influence which emotions those around us at work have, the intensity with which they have them, and when they occur. Specifically, I focus on healthcare professionals. A better understanding of when, how, and why healthcare professionals regulate each other's emotions can help the creation of effective social support networks, and can impact important outcomes such as engagement, sensemaking, professional self-efficacy and the delivery of effective and high-quality care.
What are some of the ethical considerations you need to take into account in your research?
Dr Kunst: Like most research that involves people, a main ethical consideration is that of privacy. It is important to make sure we de-identify our data, and don't report or publish something that can lead back to specific individuals. This is especially relevant when we consider relationships at work that involve hierarchy or power distance - when employees fear that leaders or management will read their response to a survey, they may experience coercion and will likely not feel free to respond honestly.
What do you believe are the emerging trends or future directions within your area of research?
Dr Kunst: I think we will see research that is more nuanced and is more context-specific, when it comes to the process of regulating other's emotions. Using lab paradigms and daily diary/ecological momentary assessment designs, I think researchers will capture more of the complexity of interpersonal interactions. I also expect to see a more nuanced examination of different 'types' of reappraisal strategies (rather than the blanket 'positive reappraisal').
Can you share a significant challenge you've overcome in your career and how you did it?
Dr Kunst: One challenge I personally have, is saying yes to too many things and spreading myself too thin. I've had to learn to say no and prioritise - this became much easier after I realised that I do not enjoy my work much, when I feel I can't do a good job as I am overcommitted.
How do you maintain motivation and enthusiasm for your work amidst challenges and setbacks?
Dr Kunst: A lot of my motivation and enthusiasm comes from conversations and discussions with other researchers and professionals. I always feel very inspired when I attend conference talks! At other times, when I face a setback (like a rejection from a journal - I'm sure many can relate) taking some time and going for a walk outside can help me to 'zoom out' and reappraise my situation.
How do you envision the future of your field, and what role do you hope to play in it?
Dr Kunst: I think research on the regulation of other's emotions is still in its infancy, in many ways. I think the years to come will be very exciting - and will see an explosion of research interest, conceptual models, and research designs. Personally, I would love to continue my research and teaching work in a formal capacity, either in Australia or in Europe. If I can contribute to the field, support early career researchers, and contribute to education, I will be chuffed.
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