Business Needs Anthropology More Than Ever, But May Not Know It

Business Needs Anthropology More Than Ever, But May Not Know It

Anthropologists are trained to find solutions to problems by approaching them holistically—from all sides—and through critical thinking, grounded in our theories and methods. Few disciplines prepare their practitioners so well to tackle the problems of the modern world by incorporating our broad knowledge of human evolution, history, biology, and behavior across the world’s cultures. Unfortunately, and to our discipline’s detriment, not enough people or businesses are informed of what anthropologists do and how we can help.

Stepping into Consulting

By Ruth Sando I have recently (2017) retired after a long career in private industry, working both as an employee and an outside consultant. After earning my Ph.D., I spent over 20 years in the financial services industry (in banking and insurance), and then for five years was a senior international housing finance manager before…

Getting Started in International Consulting

by Laurie Krieger I have consulted internationally in health, gender, policy, research, and even once in irrigation (that was weird). Here are some tips for getting started: Use your networks; in international work, people are hired through whom they know. Carefully research how much consultants get paid by the organization or donor for whom you…

Empathy of Anthropology — anthro/studio

The number one rule in practicing anthropology is to be empathetic. This rule is incredibly important in today’s technological landscape. As we get increasingly intimate with our devices, work places, and institutions, producers are beginning to employ empathy —— often under a process called human-centered design. The popularity of this “innovative” design philosophy made me wonder:…

Governing Council Today: Chad Morris, Ethics Committee

One of the roles that I’m honored to fill for NAPA is that of Chair of our Ethics Committee. We have a committee full of dedicated anthropologists who exhibit diverse interests and career experience, dedication to looking out for new ethical challenges that emerge as our discipline changes, and willingness to engage in discussion of…

Governing Council Today: Pam Puntenney, Member-at-Large

Hi, I’m Pam Puntenney and Chair of NAPA’s Lourdes Arizpe Award, a high profile initiative integrating external and internal engagement of our community of anthropologists. NAPA has created this award as an opportunity to recognize recent outstanding achievement in the application of anthropology to problems of global concern and discourse in international or domestic arenas…

Governing Council Today: Terry Redding, Communications Committee

[NOTE: Today marks the restarting of an important blog series, Governing Council Today. The series presents thoughts and information from members of the NAPA GC on a biweekly basis, to provide NAPA members with insights and transparency on the association’s leadership. The series will be coordinated by Bethany Grove and Amanda Woomer. For more information…

Governing Council Today: Kevin Preister, Incoming NAPA Treasurer

Hi, I’m Kevin Preister and I’m the new treasurer for NAPA. My goal during my tenure is to do as well as outgoing treasurer John Massad; John did tremendous work to develop protocols for budget development and reimbursements that will make my job so much easier. I want to either thank or blame Leni Bohren…