Honoring a legacy, inspiring the future

Welcome to the Hugh Gunz Lectureship – Celebrating the legacy of a visionary scholar, educator, and leader.

The Hugh Gunz Lectureship is dedicated to exploring the complex world of “Organizational Life,” bringing together globally renowned scholars who dive deep into the human-centered questions that shape our workplaces and society. This annual event is a tribute to Hugh Gunz’s commitment to fostering conversations that transcend disciplines, inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Key moments from Hugh Gunz’s career and the history of the Lectureship.

Alberta Law Foundation: Client capture in commercial law practice
with S P Gunz, PI, and R Dinovitzer, $10,120
Law Foundation of Ontario: Client capture in commercial law practice
with S P Gunz, PI, and R Dinovitzer, $48,848
SSHRC, 2006-09: Developmental networks:  Antecedents, processes and career consequences for immigrant workers
with S M Toh, PI, $83,977
University of Waterloo/SSHRC Seed Grant Program, 2005: Ethics and the professional service firm: a preliminary investigation of professional autonomy and ethical decision making in large law firms
with S P Gunz, $5,500
University of Waterloo, 2005: University Research Incentive Grant: Ethics and the professional service firm: a preliminary investigation of professional autonomy and ethical decision making in large law firms
with S P Gunz, $5,000
SSHRC, 2005: Ethics and the professional service firm: a study of professional autonomy and ethical decision making in large law firms. Recommended for award, but insufficient funds available
with S P Gunz
SSHRC/University of Toronto General Grants
$1400 (1998); $2037 (2000)
SSHRC, 1997: Ethics and employed professionals: the ethical implications of the employment relationship for employed lawyers
with S P Gunz, $23,865
SSHRC/University of Waterloo, 1992: ethical issues arising from suppression of organizational/professional conflict (OPC) in employed lawyers; causes of differential perceptions of OPC in employed lawyers
with S P Gunz, $750
SSHRC, 1990: fit between organizational career logics and strategies in Ontario firms; recommended for award, but insufficient funds available
with R M Jalland
SSHRC/University of Waterloo, 1989: professional and organizational orientations of Canadian corporate counsel
with S P Gunz, $2500
UK Training Agency, 1989: developing organizational simulation software for use on networked microcomputers
with R L Payne, S D Howell and P L White; $290,000
UK Economic and Social Research Council, 1987: competitive structures of industries — a cognitive modelling approach
with G N Johnson and P Lewis; $84,000
IBM Institute (UK), 1986: research into and development of computer‑based management education methods at Manchester Business School
with A G Lockett and other MBS colleagues; $5,000,000
Manchester Business School, 1978: pilot study of managerial careers
$2000, 1978
Honourable mention for paper submitted to Administrative Sciences Association of Canada Annual Meeting
Lake Louise, Alberta, June 1993 (with R M Jalland)
Best paper award for Careers Division of the Academy of Management Annual Meeting
Cincinnati, Ohio, August 1996 (with R M Jalland)
Holmes-Cardozo Excellence in Research Award, at the Annual Meeting Academy of Legal Studies in Business
August 2001 (with S P Gunz)
Best Symposium award for Careers Division of the Academy of Management Annual Meeting
Philadelphia, PA, August, 2007 (awarded at the 2008 Annual Meeting, Anaheim, CA; with S M Toh and others)
Best paper award for 2014/15, Journal of Professions and Organization: Dinovitzer, R., Gunz, H., & Gunz, S. 2014. Unpacking client capture: Evidence from corporate law firms. Journal of Professions and Organization, 1(2): 90-117. Also selected as one of five showcase articles for JPO
May, 2016
Best Symposium award for Careers Division of the Academy of Management Annual Meeting
Vancouver, August, 2015
UK Social Science Research Council Fellowship
1975-78
Shell Commonwealth Scholarship
1966-69
Senior Scholarship, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
1965
Hayden Prize, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
1964
New Zealand National Scholarship
1963-65
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Meet our distinguished speaker and explore the insights they bring to the ever-evolving dialogue about career studies and organizational behavior.

Championing the human side of organizational life

About Hugh Gunz

Hugh Gunz was more than a scholar—he was a mentor, leader, and pioneer in the field of career studies. His work redefined how we understand careers, transitions, and the evolving nature of work. From his early days in academia to his impactful tenure at the University of Toronto, Hugh was committed to inspiring students and fostering research that bridged theory and practice.

Hugh’s Legacy In his final book, Rethinking Career Studies, Hugh encouraged a transdisciplinary approach to understanding careers—one that integrates perspectives from sociology, psychology, and management. His goal was to spark conversations that would generate new insights into the meaning of work and the dynamics of career transitions.

Tributes to Hugh “Hugh was nothing but light and love in my life.” — Professor Celia Moore

About Hugh Gunz

The Lectureship

The Hugh Gunz Lectureship at the University of Toronto Mississauga aims to build on Hugh’s lifelong passion for the study of work and careers. Each year, we invite a scholar whose work exemplifies a deep understanding of workplace dynamics and a commitment to social responsibility.

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2025 Theme

“Organizational Life”

This year, we delve into the complexities of “Organizational Life,” exploring how organizations shape our work experiences and personal growth. Our lectureship brings together thought leaders to discuss pressing issues like ethical leadership, career transitions, and the role of organizations in society.

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Have questions or want to learn more about the Hugh Gunz Lectureship? Reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

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