Professor Carolyn Axtell

PhD, MSc, BSc (Hons)

Management School

Professor of Work Psychology

Carolyn Axtell.
Profile picture of Carolyn Axtell.
C.M.Axtell@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 222 3267
Room B027, Sheffield University Management School

Full contact details

Professor Carolyn Axtell
Management School
Room B027
Sheffield University Management School
Conduit Road
Sheffield
S10 1FL
Profile

Carolyn Axtell is a Professor at the Institute of Work Psychology. Her areas of expertise are: virtual/remote working; the impact of new technology on work; employee well-being; the organisation of work/job design.

She gained a PhD in Work Psychology from the University of Sheffield, after completing an MSc in Occupational Psychology which she also studied at the University of Sheffield.

Carolyn completed her BSc (Hons) in Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. She is a Chartered Occupational Psychologist and a member of British Psychological Society (Division of Occupational Psychology).

Research interests

Over the years, Carolyn has worked with a range of organisations within both the public and private sector.

These research projects have broadly related to either evaluating the impact of new technologies and new ways of working or helping organisations develop new work practices.

Carolyn’s core interests are in virtual/telework, employee well-being, work design and empathy/perspective taking.

She has been invited to speak at conferences on the topic of virtual and mobile work. Carolyn is also on the editorial boards for the Journal of Occupational and Organisational Psychology and the Journal of Business and Psychology.

Publications

Books

  • Arnold J, Randall R, Patterson F, Silvester J, Robertson I, Cooper C, Burnes B, Harris D & Axtell C (2016) Work Psychology: Understanding Human Behaviour in the Workplace. Pearson.
  • Arnold J, Randall R, Patterson F, Silvester J, Robertson I, Cooper C, Burnes B, Harris D, Axtell C & Den Hartog D (2010) Work Psychology: Understanding Human Behaviour in the Workplace. Pearson.

Journal articles

  • Perez-Sepulveda IE, Axtell CM & Dawson JF (2026) . Human Resource Management Review, 36(1).
  • Axtell C, Vasquez C, Christensen M, Innstrand ST, De Angelis M, Mazzetti G, Pelzer V, van den Heuvel M, TuÅ¡l M, Šípová I , Muschalla B et al (2025) . Information & Management: The International Journal of Information Systems Theories and Applications, 62(4).
  • Grozev VH, Axtell C, Zhang H & Nielsen K (2025) . Frontiers in Manufacturing Technology, 5.
  • Schmitt J, Nielsen K, Axtell C & Vasquez C (2025) . International Journal of Workplace Health Management, 18(2).
  • Axtell C, Sorensen G, Teoh KRH & Yarker J (2024) . Work & Stress, 38(4), 437-438.
  • Simpson E, Sutton A, Cantrell A, Clowes M, Weich S, Bentley-Hollins K, Visintin C & Axtell C (2024) . Discover Psychology, 4.
  • Axtell C, Sorensen G, Teoh K & Yarker J (2024) Professor Karina Nielsen (1973-2024). PSYCHOLOGIST, 37.
  • Giusino D, De Angelis M, Kubík R, Axtell C & Pietrantoni L (2023) . Team Performance Management: An International Journal, 29(7/8), 257-277.
  • Roodbari H, Nielsen K & Axtell C (2023) . Scandinavian Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 8(1).
  • Nguyen VQ, Turner N, Barling J, Axtell C & Davies S (2022) . Journal of Safety Research.
  • Hill NS, Axtell C, Raghuram S & Nurmi N (2022) . Journal of Management.
  • Roodbari H, Nielsen K, Axtell C, Peters S & Sorensen G (2022) . International Journal of Workplace Health Management, 15(6), 694-710.
  • Roodbari H, Axtell C, Nielsen K & Sorensen G (2022) . Applied Psychology, 71(3), 1058-1081.
  • Roodbari H, Nielsen K, Axtell C, Peters S & Sorensen G (2021) . International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(16).
  • Curcuruto M, Strauss K, Axtell C & Griffin M (2020) . Safety Science, 131.
  • Axtell CM, Moser KS & McGoldrick J (2020) . Team Performance Management, 26(1/2), 1-15.
  • Axtell C, Taylor M & Wessels B (2019) . Social Sciences, 8(12).
  • Hill NS, Raghuram S, Wiesenfeld BM, Gibbs J, Hill NS, Kossek EE, Nurmi N, Axtell C, Bodner T, Lee K-H , Nurmi N et al (2019) . Academy of Management Proceedings, 2019(1), 10956-10956.
  • Jeske D & Axtell CM (2018) . Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 34(2), 113-121.
  • Jeske D & Axtell CM (2017) . Social Sciences, 6(4).
  • Coyne I, Farley S, Axtell C, Sprigg C, Best L & Kwok O (2017) . International Journal of Human Resource Management, 28(7), 945-972.
  • Farley S, Coyne I, Axtell CM & Sprigg C (2016) . Work and Stress, 30(4), 293-317.
  • Bayerl PS, Lauche K & Axtell C (2016) Revisiting group-based technology adoption as a dynamic process: the role of changing attitude-rationale configurations. MIS Quarterly: Management Information Systems, 40(3), 775-784.
  • Bayerl PS, Lauche K & Axtell C (2016) Revisiting Group-Based Technology Adoption As a Dynamic Process: The Role of Changing Attitude-Rationale Configurations. MIS Quarterly: Management Information Systems, 40(3), 775-784.
  • Holman D & Axtell C (2016) . Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 21(3), 284-295.
  • Jeske D & Axtell CM (2016) . Development and Learning in Organizations, 30(2), 18-21.
  • Jeske D & Axtell CM (2016) . Organizational Dynamics, 45(1), 55-63.
  • Erez M, Axtell C, Glikson E, Hoch JE, Wu PF, Moser KS & Preece J (2016) . Academy of Management Proceedings, 2016(1), 15106-15106.
  • Rast DE, Axtell C & McGlynn S (2016) . Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 46(1), 3-6.
  • Hislop D & Axtell C (2015) . Work, Employment & Society, 29(6), 950-968.
  • Hislop D, Axtell C, Collins A, Daniels K, Glover J & Niven K (2015) . Information and Organization, 25(4), 222-232.
  • Farley S, Coyne I, Sprigg C, Axtell C & Subramanian G (2015) . Medical Education, 49(4), 436-443.
  • Jeske D & Axtell C (2014) . Internet Research, 24(4), 457-473.
  • Moser KS & Axtell CM (2013) . JOURNAL OF PERSONNEL PSYCHOLOGY, 12(1), 1-6.
  • Power JL, Brotheridge CM, Blenkinsopp J, Bowes-Sperry L, Bozionelos N, Buzády Z, Chuang A, Drnevich D, Garzon-Vico A, Leighton C , Madero SM et al (2013) . Journal of Business Research, 66(3), 374-380.
  • Axtell C & Moser KS (2012) . Academy of Management Proceedings, 2012(1), 14124-14124.
  • Holman D, Totterdell P, Axtell C, Stride C, Port R, Svensson R & Zibarras L (2012) . Journal of Business and Psychology, 27(2), 177-191.
  • Moser KS & Axtell C (2011) . Journal of Personnel Psychology, 10(2), 96-96.
  • Moser KS & Axtell C (2011) . Journal of Media Psychology, 23(2), 108-108.
  • Hislop D & Axtell C (2011) . Information and Organization, 21(1), 41-56.
  • Holman DJ, Axtell CM, Sprigg CA, Totterdell P & Wall TD (2010) . J ORGAN BEHAV, 31(1), 84-105.
  • Hislop D & Axtell C (2009) . New Technology Work and Employment, 24(1), 60-75.
  • Axtell C, Hislop D & Whittaker S (2008) . International Journal of Human Computer Studies, 66(12), 902-915.
  • Axtell CM, Parker SK, Holman D & Totterdell P (2007) . EUR J WORK ORGAN PSY, 16(2), 141-168.
  • Hislop D & Axtell C (2007) . New Technology Work and Employment, 22(1), 34-51.
  • Axtell C, Holman D & Wall T (2006) . Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 79(3), 509-516.
  • Patterson MG, Axtell C, Wheeler J & Leach A (2004) From a distance. People Management, 39-40.
  • Axtell CM (2004) Virtual Misunderstanding. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 33(4), 375-376.
  • Axtell CM & Oliver C (2004) Virtual Opportunities for Misunderstandings. The Professional Manager, 13(1).
  • Axtell CM & Parker SK (2003) . Human Relations, 56(1), 113-131.
  • Axtell C, Wall T, Stride C, Pepper K, Clegg C, Gardner P & Bolden R (2002) . Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 75(2), 217-231.
  • Parker SK & Axtell CM (2001) . Academy of Management Journal, 44(6), 1085-1100.
  • Parker SK & Axtell CM (2001) Seeing another viewpoint: Antecedents and outcomes of employee perspective taking. ACAD MANAGE J, 44(6), 1085-1100.
  • Li D, Barnes C, Axtell C, McKay A & de Pennington A (2001) . SPIE Proceedings, 4565, 74-83.
  • Parker SK, Axtell CM & Turner N (2001) . Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 6(3), 211-228.
  • Axtell C, Pepper K, Clegg C, Wall T & Gardner P (2001) Designing and evaluating new ways of working: the application of some sociotechnical tools. Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing, 11(1), 1-18.
  • Axtell CM, Holman DJ, Unsworth KL, Wall TD & Waterson PE (2000) Shopfloor innovation: Facilitating the suggestion and implementation of ideas. J OCCUP ORGAN PSYCH, 73, 265-285.
  • Riddalls CE, Iscati-Johanson B, Axtell C, Bennett S & Clegg C (2000) Quantifying the Effects of Trust in Supply Chains During Promotional Periods.
  • Holman D, Axtell C, Clegg C, Pepper K, Waterson P, Cantista I & Older-Gray M (2000) Change and innovation in modern manufacturing practices: an expert panel survey of U.K. companies. Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing, 10(2), 121-137.
  • Clegg C, Axtell C, Older M & Waterson P (1997) Changing work systems.. J Hum Ergol (Tokyo), 26(2), 107-113.
  • Clegg C, Axtell C, Damodaran L, Farbey B, Hull R, Lloyd-Jones R, Nicholls J, Sell R & Tomlinson C (1997) . Ergonomics, 40(9), 851-871.
  • Waterson PE, Clegg CW & Axtell CM (1997) The dynamics of work organization, knowledge and technology during software development. INT J HUM-COMPUT ST, 46(1), 81-103.
  • Axtell CM, Maitlis S & Yearta SK (1997) Predicting immediate and longer-term transfer of training. Personnel Review, 26(3), 201-&.
  • Clegg CW, Waterson PE & Axtell CM (1997) Software development: some critical views. BEHAV INFORM TECHNOL, 16(6), 359-362.
  • Axtell CM, Waterson PE & Clegg CW (1997) Problems integrating user participation into software development. INT J HUM-COMPUT ST, 47(2), 323-345.
  • Clegg CW, Waterson PE & Axtell CM (1996) Software development: Knowledge-intensive work organizations. BEHAV INFORM TECHNOL, 15(4), 237-249.
  • Calvard TS, Carter AJ & Axtell CM () . EWOP in Practice, 2(1).

Book chapters

  • Nielsen K, Axtell C & Taylor S (2021) National approaches to wellbeing interventions: The UK Management Standards as an example In Wall T, Cooper C & Brough P (Ed.), The SAGE Handbook of Organizational Wellbeing (pp. 368-382). SAGE Publications Ltd
  • Nielsen K, Axtell C & Sorensen G (2021) Organizational interventions – fitting the intervention to the context to ensure the participatory process In Kelloway K & Cooper C (Ed.), A Research Agenda for Workplace Stress and Wellbeing (pp. 191-210). Edward Elgar Publishing
  • Axtell C (2020) The Psychology of Dispersed Work In Arnold J, Coyne I, Randall R & Patterson F (Ed.), Work Psychology: Understanding Human Behaviour in the Workplace (pp. 431-452). Harolow, UK: Pearson.
  • Jeske D & Axtell CM (2019) , Lecture Notes in Information Systems and Organisation (pp. 219-233). Springer International Publishing
  • Axtell CM & Holman D (2018) In Nielsen K & Noblet A (Ed.), Organizational Interventions for Health and Well-being: A Handbook for Evidence-Based Practice Routledge
  • Hislop D, Axtell C & Daniels K (2008) , The Oxford Handbook of Personnel Psychology (pp. 564-585). Oxford University Press (OUP)
  • Axtell C & Hislop D (2008) The lonely life of the mobile engineer?
  • Parker SK, Atkins PWB & Axtell CM (2008) , International Review of Industrial and Organizational Psychology 2008 (pp. 149-196).
  • Axtell CM, Shepherd C, Holman D & Clegg CW (2005) Changes in Modern Manufacturing Practices In Karwowski W (Ed.), International Encyclopaedia of Ergonomics and Human Factors (pp. 2065-2069). London: Taylor and Francis.
  • Axtell CM, Fleck SJ & Turner N (2005) , International Review of Industrial and Organizational Psychology 2004 (pp. 205-248).
  • Mumford E & Axtell C (2002) , The New Workplace (pp. 331-346). Wiley
  • Axtell CM (1999) Interviewing and Being Interviewed - Delegates Chapter London: MacMillan.
  • Axtell CM (1999) Interviewing and Being Interviewed - Tutor's Notes London: MacMillan.

Conference proceedings

  • Perez Sepulveda I, Axtell C & Dawson JF (2023) . Academy of Management Proceedings, Vol. 2023(1)
  • Van den Heuvel MM, Pelzer V, Innstrand ST, Christensen M, Nielsen K, Axtell C, Aboagye E, Zuberbuhler JP, Salanova M, Pietrantoni L & De Angelis M (2023) A Comprehensive Approach to Improving Mental Health in the Workplace through Four Pillars and Three Toolkits: The H-WORK project. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY OPEN, Vol. 82 (pp 497-497)
  • Roodbari H, Nielsen K & Axtell C (2021) . Academy of Management Proceedings, Vol. 2021(1) (pp 10830-10830)
  • Hyrkkänen U, Nenonen S & Axtell C (2016) (pp 22-34)
  • Riddalls CE, Icasati-Johanson B, Axtell C, Bennett S & Clegg C (2000) Quantifying the benefits of trust in supply chain partnerships. AUTOMATED SYSTEMS BASED ON HUMAN SKILL 2000 (pp 175-178)
  • Waterson PE, Clegg CW & Axtell CM (1995) The interplay between cognitive and organizational factors in software development.. INTERACT (pp 32-37)

Digital content

  • Axtell CM Big data could bring about workplace utopia – or the office from hell.

Presentations

  • Grozev V, Zhang H, Yarker J, Palmer N, Axtell C & Nielsen K Development and validation of a new measure of digital attitudes in organisations. Katowice, Poland.
  • Zhang H, Yarker J, Palmer N, Grozev V, Nielsen K & Axtell C Digital Attitudes: A review of the literature and a research agenda. Katowice, Poland.
  • Axtell C, Vasquez C, Christensen M, Innstrand ST, Pelzer V, van den Heuvel M, De Angelis M, Mazzetti G, Tusl M, Sipova I , Muschalla B et al Adapting the Process of Mental Health Needs Analysis and Action Planning to Online & Hybrid Settings: Lessons Learned During Covid-19.. Katowice, Poland.
  • Axtell C Discussant: Teleworking - Lessons learned during the pandemic of Covid-19. Bordeaux, France.
  • De Angelis M & Axtell C Participatory European project from an organisational perspective: Management’s attitudes, perceptions and process evaluation of a project aimed at promoting mental health.. Bordeaux, France.
  • Hill NS, Axtell C, Nurmi N & Raghuram S Unpacking the duality of well-being in virtual work: An integrative conceptual model.. Boston, USA.
  • Hill NS, Axtell C, Chamakoitis P, Nurmi N & Ragurham S Employee Wellbeing in the Digital Age: Promise or Illusion?. Surrey, UK.
  • Axtell C, Sprigg C, Wessels B, Taylor M & Pinfield S Big data and Employee Wellbeing: Findings from a Seminar Series.. Surrey, UK.
  • Ragurham S, Hill NS, Axtell C, Bell B, Gibbs J, Maruping L & Weisenfield B Virtual Work Research: Crossing Boundaries. Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
  • Axtell C & Holman D Job redesign in a call centre.. Dublin, Ireland.
  • Axtell CM Status Effects on Reactions to Communication Norm Violations. Academy of Management Conference, Anaheim, California.
  • Axtell CM & Moser KM Norms in virtual work: The impact of status and perceived norm violations in email communications. European Association of Work & Organisational Psychology Conference.
  • Axtell CM, Daniels K, Niven K & Hislop D Well being and the home-based, self-employed teleworker. European Association of Work & Organisational Psychology Conference.
  • Axtell CM, Moser KM & McGoldrick J Perceived norm violations in email communications: The impact of status on recipient reactions. Academy of Management Conference.
  • Axtell CM & Moser KM State of the art and agenda for research on norms in virtual collaboration. Academy of Management Conference.
  • Axtell CM, Farley SJ, Sprigg CA & Coyne I Workplace cyber bullying: The impact of witnessing and resilience. IWP International Conference.
  • Bayerl PS, Axtell CM & Lauche K Multi-Actor Perspectives on Localisation: Standardisation Tensions in an ICT Implementation. Academy of Management Conference.
  • Axtell CM The Wellbeing of the Mobile Workforce. GigaOm.
  • Axtell CM & Parker SK Familiarity breeds complacency: the effect of clarity and perspective taking on misunderstandings in a virtual team. SIOP (Society for Industrial & Organisational Psychology) Conference.
  • Axtell CM & Hislop D Working Hours, Work-Related Travel and the Corrosion of Non-Work Sociality. IWP International Conference.
  • Axtell CM, Searle B & Machon L Employer Influence on Job Crafting: A Qualitative Investigation. IWP International Conference.
  • Axtell CM & Holman D Why do job redesign interventions affect wellbeing?. IWP International Conference.
  • Power JL, Brotheridge CM, Monserrat S, Mayoral L & Axtell CM How acceptable is bullying? Cultural explanations for trends in 15 countries. American Academy of Management Conference.
  • Brotheridge CM, Axtell CM, Blemkinsopp J & Fischer D How acceptable is bullying? Cultural explanations for trends in 15 countries. 2009 Academy of Management Meeting.
  • Holman D, Totterdell P, Axtell C, Stride CB, Port R, Svensson R & Zibarris L Employee innovation behaviors: The development of a measure.
  • Brotheridge CM, Power J, Monserrat S, Jordan C & Axtell CM Does one's culture influence how emotional labour is performed with customers, coworkers and supervisors?. Sixth International Conference on Emotions and Worklife (EMONET VI).
  • Axtell CM, Brotheridge CM, Fischer D & Golebiowska-Tataj D Through the Looking-Glass of Emotional Labour: Alternative Lenses and Perspectives. Sixth International Conference on Emotions and Worklife (EMONET VI).
  • Axtell CM & Hislop D All Aboard! Trains as Mobile Offices. BPS Division of Occupational Psychology Conference.
  • Axtell CM, Parker SK & Wall TD Reducing Misunderstandings in virtual teams: enhancing the power of perspective taking. XIIIth European Congress of Work and Organisational Psychology.
  • Hislop D & Axtell CM The communication dynamics of mobile telework. The Sixth European Conference in Organisational Knowledge Learning and Capabilities.
  • Holman D, Totterdell P, Axtell C, Stride C & Port P Individual innovation behaviours: the development of a measure and examination of antecedents.
  • Axtell CM & Galpin M Managing the Remote Worker. CIPD Human Resource Development Conference.
  • Axtell CM, Brown C & Hislop D Two degrees of mobile telework: comparisons and analysis (abstract). BPS Occupational Psychology Conference.
  • Axtell CM, Clegg CW & Waterson PE Problems for User Involvement: A Human and Organizational Perspective..
Research group

The Institute of Work Psychology (IWP)

Teaching activities

Carolyn primarily teaches on the MSc in Occupational Psychology/MSc Work Psychology.

She teaches topics related to technology mediated work and wellbeing at work.

Carolyn bases her lecture content on leading edge research and incorporates activities, discussion and different media to enhance student learning.

PhD supervision

Carolyn currently supervises:

Ella Hatton

Doctoral Researcher (Work Psychology)
Management School

Thesis title: The feasibility of a Participatory Organisational Intervention to enhance work engagement in inpatient Mental Health Nursing Staff
Email
ehatton1@sheffield.ac.uk
E H

She has previously supervised:

Name Thesis title Year of completion
Ignacio Perez Sepulveda Team Communication Actions: Beyond the Dichotomy of Face-to-Face versus Virtual Interactions in Teams 2024

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