Communication psychologist successfully completes doctorate

On February 28, 2018,Jörg Heidig defended his dissertation in the banquet hall of the Faculty of Economics at the Technical University of Dresden, and he successfully completed the defense with a good result. With this achievement, the Zittau native joins the ranks of communication psychologists at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences who now hold a doctoral degree.

Jörg Heidig completed his doctoral studies at the International University Institute in Zittau. His dissertation is titled “Proactive Actions in Public Administration.”

The thesis examined how the discretionary leeway that arises during the implementation of administrative tasks is utilized. The relationships between the individuals involved determine whether and how an intention to act proactively can unfold or not. The decisive factor appears to be the “support” provided by at least one supervisor. This organizational science topic sheds light on how changes in organizational culture within government agencies are made possible by the actions of supervisors and employees.

The doctoral committee consisted of the examiners Prof. Dr. Thorsten Claus (IHI), Prof. Dr. Matthias Schmidt (Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences), and the reviewers Prof. Dr. Albert Löhr (IHI Zittau), Prof. Dr. em. Herbert Bock (Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences), and Prof. Dr. Frank Schirmer (Dresden University of Technology). The doctoral committee commended the findings and their significance for future organizational development projects. In recent years, Mr. Heidig has successfully participated in many projects at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, served as a lecturer in several faculties, and worked in the field of continuing education for faculty members. His connection to the university will continue even after he earns his doctorate, as he serves as chairman of the board of the Institute for Communication, Information, and Education (KIB e.V.), where he facilitates the transfer of scientific knowledge into practice through a wide range of projects.