His research focuses on the causes and consequences of authority-granting across multiple levels of hierarchy. Using different methodological approaches, including experiments and in-depth case studies in firms, he examines hierarchical micro-mechanisms and their relevance for strategic management. His work has appeared in Organization Science and the Journal of Experimental Economics, among others. Stephan received a Ph.D. in Business Administration from the University of St. Gallen (CH). Prior to joining the Strategic Organization Design Unit at the University of Southern Denmark, he was a postdoctoral research fellow at London Business School (UK).