Postmes, Prof. Tom
Tom Postmes is professor of Social Psychology. He completed his PhD at the University of Amsterdam, and was professor at the University of Exeter from 2004 to 2008. Postmes has won several international prizes, including research fellowships from the KNAW (1998) and the British ESRC (2003). His publications have appeared in renowned journals across multiple disciplines, such as psychology, communication and management.
Postmes studies how people influence each other's ideas and behaviour. Even though people in the Western world like to see themselves as independent individuals, we continually conform to fashions, norms and
social structures. This is apparent in many different forms of collective behavior: on the stock exchange, at work, during an old-fashioned demonstration or in a modern flashmob organized via Internet. In his research Postmes shows how everyday interactions can lead to such collective behavior. This is more than mere imitation: communication initiates the formation of new norms, values and social identities. Together with several fellow researchers and dance group Random Collision, he is also studying the social impact of watching a dance performance.
Postmes is coordinator of the Kenniscentrum Aardbevingen en Duurzame Ontwikkeling (KADO) (Knowledge center for earthquakes and sustainable development) of the university. In the 'Gronings Perspectief' project, Postmes is studying subjects such as safety, health and future prospects in Groningen in relation to earthquakes.
More video's
- 100.000 mensen met aardbevingsschade (Dutch News)
- Wat doen emoties met ons gedrag? [How do emotions affect our behaviour?]
Previously in the news
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Why protesting is back (in Dutch)
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Dance and group processes (in Dutch - Dagblad van het Noorden)
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Research on social unrest earthquakes (Radio Noord)
Contact and further information
Publications
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
Last modified: | 11 December 2023 4.46 p.m. |