Lynn McFarland is an Associate Professor of Management at the Darla Moore School of Business. Her research focuses on three distinct but synergistic areas. First, understanding how organizations can attract a more diverse and qualified workforce is a theme throughout her research. The focus of this research has been on increasing workforce diversity through staffing and increasing quality applications through positive applicant reactions. This research also examines how applicant experiences in hiring processes can have post-hire consequences for both the individual (engagement) and the organization (customer satisfaction). McFarland’s second program of research examines how applicants manage the impressions they make on potential employers in recruitment and hiring processes. Finally, within both of these areas, McFarland integrates contextual theories and perspectives to understand how the environment can change applicant behavior and reactions.

McFarland’s research has been published in top academic journals that include the Journal of Applied Psychology, Journal of Management, and Personnel Psychology. She serves on the Editorial Boards of the Journal of Applied Psychology, Journal of Business and Psychology, and Group & Organization Management. McFarland has also published several book chapters and her research has been accepted for presentation more than 65 times at national and international conferences.

McFarland received her doctorate from Michigan State University in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Prior to joining the Management Department, she was the founder and president of Human Capital Solutions, Inc., an HR consulting firm specializing in staffing and performance management, and worked with organizations in both the private and the public sectors.