Maaja Vadi

Maaja Vadi (; born 4 November 1955) is an Estonian management scholar and psychologist. She is Professor of Management at the University of Tartu and has held senior leadership roles at the university, including serving as dean of the university’s economics and business faculty (2011–2014).

Vadi has received Estonia’s state research award in the social sciences (2007) and the Order of the White Star, IV Class (2019).

Early life and education Vadi was born and raised on the island of Kihnu.

Career After working as a psychologist in Estonia’s trade sector, Vadi joined the University of Tartu’s economics faculty in 1992 and progressed through academic ranks, becoming Professor of Management in 2003.

Research and teaching Her research has focused on organisational culture and values, organisational behaviour, innovation and management practice, including cross-cultural aspects of management and work values.

Honours and awards 2007 – State research award in the social sciences for the cycle of studies “Organisatsiooniline käitumine siirdemajanduses”. 2019 – Honorary citizen of Kihnu Municipality. 2020 – Estonian Academy of Sciences Medal. 2025 – Mihhail Bronštein Award in Economics (with Priit Vahter).

Selected works Organisatsioonikäitumine (textbook). Müügisuhtlemine (2002).