University of North Texas 
Karen R. Johnson
Faculty
Associate Professor
Discovery Park Building, G180
Education
PhD, University of Minnesota, 2011
- Major: Work and Human Resource Education
- Degree Specialization: Human Resource Development
- Dissertation Title: Relationships between Organizational Service Orientation, Customer Service Training, and Employee Engagement
MA, University of Minnesota, 2007
- Major: Human Resource Development
- Dissertation Title: The Role of Tourism in National Human Resource Development
BA, University of the West Indies, 1999
- Major: Psychology
Research Interests
Dr. Johnson's research is situated within three interrelated areas of inquiry:
1) Training, learning, and performance
2) Workforce development
3) Human resource development in the service economy, with specific attention on the tourism and hospitality industry. Across these areas, she brings an unwavering commitment to international and global perspectives, and equity and diversity, specifically advocacy for underrepresented populations often excluded from opportunity in the workplace. Her scholarship intersects both business and industry contexts as well as academic settings. In her most recent research, she investigates dynamic organization development interventions that aid the transition, retention, and work outcomes of individuals with autism to the workforce.