Aaron McDonald, Ph.D.

Introduction

Aaron McDonald is an Assistant Professor of Management in the College of Business Administration at California State University San Marcos. His research examines firms' strategic actions in response to changes in the external business environment. Focusing on this dynamic area of strategy has led to research on strategic decision-making related to disruptive technologies, evolving socio-cultural norms within stakeholder groups, corporate social responsibility, and firms’ ability to influence public policy. Additionally, Aaron brings his global experience in creating technology and market strategies for high-tech firms to the classroom, aiding in the development of students' understanding of strategy, dynamic business environments, and negotiations. Dr. McDonald holds a Ph.D. in Management from the University of Oregon, an M.A. in Global Leadership and Sustainable Development from Hawaii Pacific University, and a B.S. in Engineering from Tennessee Technological University

Research Interests

• Strategy
• Business Environment Dynamics
• Technology
• Corporate Social Responsibility

Select Publications

• Kotiloglu, Serhan, Aaron T. McDonald (2023), Is LGBT Inclusion Motivated by Organizational Performance? Exploring the Relationships Between Performance Feedback and LGBT Inclusion in Firms, Strategic Organization
• McDonald, Aaron T., Catalin Ratiu, and Beverlee B. Anderson (2022) Reputational Considerations in Firm Response to Social Issues. Corporate Reputation Review
• Johnson, A. F., & McDonald, A. T. (2025). Out of the shadows: a new era of corporate political activity. Administrative Theory & Praxis
• Anderson, Beverlee, Aaron T. McDonald, Catalin Ratiu (2024), Governance of AI for a Sustainable Future, World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development
• Google Scholar Profile