Dr Arthur Wolak

Representations of Jewish-Christian Relations in Literature

Interreligious Understanding Today
Bridging the Great Divide: the Jewish-Muslim Encounter
Jews, Christians and Muslims in Europe: Modern Challenges

Profile

Arthur Wolak is a writer, interdisciplinary historian, and business executive currently focusing on the health sector. He is author, co-author, or editor of six books, including Forced Out: The Fate of Polish Jewry in Communist Poland, recommended by the research library review journal, Choice (2005) for "anyone interested in modern Polish history or the history of anti-Semitism". His book, The Development of Managerial Culture (London & New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2015), examines the differences in underlying values and distinctions in managerial cultures in Australia and Canada. His latest book, Religion and Contemporary Management (London & New York: Anthem Press, 2016; paperback published in 2019) is a probing analysis of the qualities that make a great leader, revealed through the biblical Moses and contemporary ideas on leadership. These three books draw upon, and reflect the importance of, different religions in each context.

Arthur spent years writing for international newspapers on issues related to contemporary and historical Jewish communities and topics of local inter-religious concerns. In his academic and professional experience, he was intrigued about how common and divergent religious values not only impact society but also work environments since the latter represents a microcosm of society at large. Due to his interests, Arthur completed the Woolf Institute courses, Jews, Christians and Muslims in Europe: Modern Challenges, Bridging the Great Divide: the Jewish-Muslim Encounter, Interreligious Understanding Today, and Representations of Jewish-Christian Relations in Literature which have expanded his knowledge in these important areas.

Earning a BA degree in psychology and history with first class honours from the University of British Columbia in Canada, Arthur went on to complete an MA in modern history, an MBA, and MA in Jewish Studies (with additional graduate work in Jewish-Christian Studies). He holds a PhD in management and leadership from Macquarie University's Graduate School of Management in Sydney, Australia.

His academic articles have appeared in such publications as the International Journal of Organizational Analysis, Australasian-Canadian Studies, Reviews in Australian Studies, and the Jewish Bible Quarterly. Arthur is currently on the Board of Governors of Gratz College, the oldest independent pluralist college for Jewish studies in North America, and also serves as a member of its Academic Affairs Committee.