John is a Chartered Psychologist (and Associate Fellow) of the British Psychological Society and a registered practitioner psychologist of the UK Health Professions Council. He was a Director of Visualsolve Ltd and developed thelifecoachapp. He has conducted work on behalf of the EU, UK Government, Research Councils UK, industry federations, large businesses and small and medium sized enterprises (including social enterprises).
He has written extensively on knowledge processes in organisations including organisational cognition, knowledge management and reflective practice as they relate to knowledge creation and use. He has a particular interest in the role of cognition (including emotion) and interaction in wellbeing, creativity, decision-making, learning and innovation, design thinking and the contribution that coaching and other forms of facilitation can make.
Over his academic career he worked for Aston University, Warwick University, University of Wales Trinity St David and Birmingham City University. He also undertook work for Birmingham University, Nottingham Trent University, Westminster University, the University of East London, the Open University and the University of Worcester.
He supervised forty students to doctoral completion.
Publications
Sparrow J, Spurgeon P and Patrick J (1982) The systematic identification of selection criteria for future jobs. Proceedings of 20th International Conference of the Institute of Electrical Engineers: Man-machine systems, UMIST, Manchester
Sparrow J, Patrick J, Spurgeon P and Barwell J (1982) The use of job component analysis and related aptitudes in personnel selection. Journal of Occupational Psychology 55.157-164
Annett J and Sparrow J (1985) Transfer of training: A review of research and practical implications. Programmed Learning and Educational Technology 22.2.116-124
Sparrow J (1989) The measurement of job profile similarity for the prediction of transfer of training: A research note. Journal of Occupational Psychology 62.337-341
Sparrow J (1989) Graphical displays in information systems: some data properties influencing the effectiveness of alternative forms. Behaviour and Information Technology 8.1. 43-56
Sparrow J (1989) The utility of PAQ in relating job behaviours to traits Journal of Occupational Psychology 62.151-162
Sparrow J (1989) The prediction of transfer of training on the basis of aptitude vs. skill representations of cognitive structure. Proceedings of the Training Agency Conference on “Transfer”. University of Warwick. 20/21 April 1989.
Sparrow J (1990) A measure of information technology absorption into information handling processes in business. Behaviour and Information Technology 9.4.319-335
Robinson G and Sparrow J (1990) The Single Market: Assessing strategic change in organisations GT Business Consultants Conference. University of Birmingham. 25 September 1990
Sparrow J and Deakins D (1990) The delivery of small business support: An analysis of areas for strategic intervention by business support services. Proceedings of British Academy of Management Conference. Manchester Business School. 19 April 1990
Deakins D and Sparrow J (1991) “Developing quality support for new and developing small businesses.”, in R Welford (ed) Small Businesses and Small Business Development: A Practical Approach. European Research Press
Sparrow J, Huyton J and Ingold T (1991) Tailoring service to different customers.Proceedings of Planning for Uncertainty in Hospitality Markets Conference. University of Bournemouth. 17/18 October 1991
Deakins D and Sparrow J (1991) Support for new and developing businesses.Proceedings of Small Business and Small Business Development Conference. University of Nottingham. 11 April 1991
Sparrow J, Ingold T, Huyton J and Baker J (1992) Experienced staff and tailoring food service International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management. 1992.4.1.4-11.
Sparrow J and Wood G (1992) With quality in mind: A study of the ways in which staff see and use concepts of quality. Proceedings of Human Resource Management in the Hospitality Industry Conference. Hilton on Park Lane. 8 December 1992.
Robinson G and Sparrow J (1992) Coping with the Single European Market? The experience of manufacturing SMEs in the West Midlands. Proceedings of the 15th National Small Firms Policy and Research Conference. Southampton Institute. 25/26 November 1992.
Ram M and Sparrow J (1992) Supporting Enterprise and Training in Asian SMEs. Proceedings of the 15th National Small Firms Policy and Research Conference. Southampton Institute. 25/26 November 1992.
Flint N and Sparrow J (1992) Multimedia training in food hygiene: An empirical comparison of learning media Proceedings of Hospitality and Tourism Industry Research Conference. Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies. 14-15 April 1992
Ram M and Sparrow J (1993) Minority firms, racism and economic development. Local Economy. 8.2.117-129
Flint N and Sparrow J (1993) Interactive multimedia: Creative catalyst or constraint? Proceedings of The International Symposium on Creativity and Cognition LUTCHI. Loughborough University. 13-15 April 1993.
Sparrow J and Rigg C (1993) Job Analysis: Selecting for the masculine approach to management. Selection and Development Review. 9.2.5-8
Sparrow J (1993) Intelligent computer-based food order-taking systems: Guidelines from human approaches to targeted marketing Journal of Restaurant and Food Service Marketing. 1.1. 21-36
Ram M and Sparrow J (1993) “Issues in supporting enterprise and training in Asian SMEs: A Case Study from the inner city”, in F Chittenden , M Robertson and D Watkins (eds) Small Firms: Recession and Recovery. Paul Chapman Publishing. London. pp 229-241
Flint N and Sparrow J (1994) Interactive Multimedia: Creative catalyst or constraint?Knowledge-Based Systems. 7.4.247-252
Peters S and Sparrow J (1994) Human Resource Management Philosophies and Management Action International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management 6.6. v-viii
Zetie S, Sparrow J, Woodfield A and Kilmartin T (1994) “Service delivery improvement in a small organisation: Hydrapower Dynamics Ltd.”, in R Teare, C Atkinson and C Westwood (eds) Achieving Quality Performance: Lessons from British Industry. Cassell. London, pp. 53-78
Zetie S, Sparrow J and Woodfield A (1994) The tyrannical chef: A barrier to TQM? International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management 6.1.42-45
Sparrow J and Wood G (1994) Constraints in meeting customer needs in food service International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management 6.1.61-67
Rigg C and Sparrow J (1994) Gender, diversity and working styles. Women in Management Review 9.1.9-16.
Peters S and Sparrow J (1994) Investigating the validity and utility of management competence statements in securing productivity enhancements. CHME Conference. Napier University. Edinburgh. 6/7 April 1994.
Zetie S and Sparrow J (1994) Small business barriers to TQM. National Society for Quality through Teamwork Conference. Birmingham. 20 April 1994.
Sparrow J and Wood G (1994) You’re stopping me giving quality service. National Society for Quality through Teamwork Conference. Birmingham. 20 April 1994.
Flint N and Sparrow J (1995) A graphic designer’s considerations in multimedia application development. Design Research Society Conference on 4D Dynamics. De Montfort University. 21 September 1995.
Peters S and Sparrow J (1996) The utilisation of human resource management frameworks and the management of culture to bring about a planned change in junior managers’ behaviour towards event management and productivity. IAHMS/EuroChrie Conference. Institute of Service Management. Leeuwarden. Netherlands. 7/8 November 1996
Sparrow J and Bushell M (1996) Personal business advisers’ models of business strategy and operations. Proceedings of the 19th National Small Firms Policy and Research Conference. University of Central England. 20-22 November 1996.
Sparrow J and Bushell M (1997) “Personal business adviser models and organisational learning in Business Links”, in M Ram, D Deakins and D Smallbone (eds) Small Firms: Enterprising Futures. London. Paul Chapman Publishing, pp. 136-147
Yeoman I and Sparrow J (1997) Soft OR and facilitation. 39th Operations Research Society Conference. Bath University. 9-11 September 1997.
Sparrow J (1998) Knowledge in Organizations: Access to Thinking at WorkLondon. Sage.
Bentley P and Sparrow J (1998) Risk categorisation by small business owner managers.Journal of the Society of Fellows..12.2.48-65
Barlow G, Sparrow J and Benefer C (1998) “Continuous improvement to reduce waste and add value throughout the business: Kennametal Hertel Ltd.”, in L Munro-Faure, R Teare and EE Scheving (eds), Quality Improvement: Teamwork solutions from the UK and North America. Cassell. London 1998. pp. 93-103
Bentley P and Sparrow J (1998) SMEs: A different response. Risk Management Briefing. 23. December.1-5
Sparrow J, Richardson M and Romp G (1998) The ‘validity’ of economic indicators for small business owner-manager decision-making Proceedings of the 21st National Small Firms Policy and Research Conference. Durham University Business School. 18-20 November 1998.
Sparrow J, Zetie S and Bushell M (1998) Organisational learning in small firms: Implications for supporting knowledge management Proceedings of the 21st National Small Firms Policy and Research Conference. Durham University Business School. 18-20 November 1998.
Sparrow J (1999) Using qualitative research to establish SME support needs Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal 2.2.121-134
Yeoman I and Sparrow J (1999) A tourism organisation’s soft OR practitioner’s perceptions of problem structuring methodologies CHME Hospitality Research Conference University of Surrey 7-9 April 1999
Yeoman I and Sparrow J (1999) Accessing knowledge and soft OR, Journal of Organizational Change Management http://www.mcb.co.uk/services/conferen/may99/sccm/.
Yeoman I and Sparrow J (1999) Shaping knowledge through problem structuring methodologies Operations Research Society Conference. Edinburgh, UK, September 14-16, 1999
Yeoman I and Sparrow J (1999) The language of problem structuring methodologies of practitioners International Federation of Operations Research Society Conference Beijing, China1999
Sparrow J and Yeoman I (1999) Factors in management use of visual thinking techniques in problem solving XIth World Productivity Congress, Edinburgh, 3-6 October 1999
Sparrow J (1999) Knowledge Management Masterclass National Business Adviser Manager Network Conference Evesham, 7 November 1999
Sparrow J and Bentley P (2000) Decision tendencies of entrepreneurs and small business risk management practices Risk Management: An International Journal 2.1.17-26
Sparrow J and Goodman F (2000) Small business considerations in collaboration upon crime management The Security Journal 13.1.21-31
Yeoman I, Sparrow J and McGunnigle F (2000) Accessing knowledge and British Airways: The impact of soft OR Journal of Organizational Change Management 13.2.121-139
Sparrow J and Young B (2000) Knowledge Management: An approach for communities of practice to manage risk Financial Services Authority, London 18 May 2000
Sparrow J (2000) Knowledge features of small firm. In Edwards J (ed) Proceedings of the Operations Research Society Knowledge Management Conference, University of Aston. 17-18 July 2000
Sparrow J (2000) Using a knowledge lens to enhance management teams, European Forum for Teamwork Conference, University of Warwick. 23 August 2000
Sparrow J, Matlay H and Bushell M (2000) Knowledge Management: The Challenge for Small Business Support Proceedings of the 23rd National Small Firms Policy and Research Conference. Aberdeen Business School. November 2000.
Sparrow J (2001) Knowledge management in small firms Knowledge and Process Management.8.1.3-16
Sparrow J, Shelton R and Zetie S (2001) Alternative small firm constructions of knowledge management initiatives. Proceedings of ‘Managing Knowledge: Conversations and Critiques’ conference. University of Leicester.10-11 April 2001.
Sparrow J (2001) A knowledge-based view of support for small business management of e-business activities.Proceedings of 24th National Small Firms Policy and Research Conference, University of Leicester, November 2001
Sparrow J (2003) Alternative knowledge management development approaches of SMEs In Edwards J (ed) Proceedings of the Operations Research Society Knowledge Management Conference. University of Aston. July 14-15 2003
Sparrow J and Arnott J (2004) Effective procurement of coaching Academy of Executive Coaching Symposium, London, 29 January 2004
Sparrow J, Ashford R and Heel D (2004) Reflecting on reflective practice: A study of event factors that can facilitate or impede reflection 3rd Carfax International Conference on Reflective Practice Gloucester, 23-25 June 2004
Sparrow J (2004) Emotional range in strategic visioning Paper presented to Conference on Creativity, Innovation and Change Open University, Oxford, 28 June 2004
Sparrow J, Ashford R and Heel D (2005) Reflecting on reflective practice in a health setting. Proceedings of the VIth International Interdisciplinary Conference on Advances in Qualitative Methods, Edmonton, Alberta Canada, 17-20 February 2005
Sparrow J, Ashford R and Heel D (2005) A methodology to identify workplace features that can facilitate or impede reflective practice: A National Health Service UK study Reflective Practice 6.2.189-197
Sparrow J (2005) A classification of different knowledge management development approaches of SMEs, Knowledge Management Research and Practice, 2005.3.3. 136-145
Sparrow J (2005) Incorporating mood within unlived scenarios. Paper presented to Institute of Reflective Practice Conference: Scenario-based learning: Reflection and action on lived and unlived experiences 23-24 June 2005, Gloucester UK
Sparrow J (2005) SME owner manager responses to the global knowledge economy: Four mentalities? Paper presented to British Academy of Management Conference, University of Oxford, Oxford, 13-15 Sep 2005
Sparrow J and Patel S (2005) Business support agencies’ role in enhancing intangible assets in SMEs Proceedings of the 28th Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference, Blackpool, 1-3 November 2005
Patel S and Sparrow J (2005) Evaluation of business support services on Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Proceedings of the 28th Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference, Blackpool, 1-3 November 2005
Zhang S and Sparrow J (2005) Action research to enhance reflective practice in social enterprises Proceedings of the 28th Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference, Blackpool, 1-3 November 2005
Sparrow J (2006) Undergraduate, Masters’ and Doctoral level reflective practice: What is the difference? Paper presented to Institute of Reflective Practice Conference: Developing Competence through Reflective Writing, 06 February 2006, National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham
Sparrow J and Heel D (2006) Fostering team learning development Reflective Practice 7.2.151-162
Sparrow J, Ashford R and Heel D (2006) Workplace interactions that facilitate or impede reflective practice Journal of Health Management 8.1.1-10
Sparrow J (2006) Beyond sensemaking: Emotion, imagery and creativity, Chapter 6 in J Henry (ed) Creative Management and Development, OU/Sage, pp 82-97
Sparrow J (2006) Addressing emotional tone in retrieval and browsing applications, Paper presented at the 3rd Operational Research Society conference on Knowledge Management, Aston University, 17-18 July 2006
Sparrow J, Mooney M and Lancaster N (2006) Perceptions of a UK university as a knowledge intensive business service enhancing organizational and regional service innovation, International Journal of Business Innovation and Research 1.1/2. 191-203
Sparrow J and Carey C (2006) Tales of ownership succession: The role of storytelling in business support Proceedings of the 29th Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference, 31 October – 1 November 2006, Cardiff
Sparrow J (2007) Supporting marketing in SMEs: Beyond knowledge transfer Paper presented to 13th Academy of Marketing SIG on Marketing/Entrepreneurship Interface, January 2007, UCE Birmingham, Birmingham
Sparrow J, Tarkowski K, Lancaster N and Mooney M (2007) Evolving knowledge integration and absorptive capacity perspectives on university-industry interaction within a university, Paper presented to IAS Symposium ‘ Engaging HEIs in business and the community: A Learning Perspective’, Lancaster University, 22-23 May 2007
Rose P and Sparrow J (2007a) Social enterprise quadpolar metric. Paper presented to 3rd International Social Entrepreneurship Research Conference 2007, Copenhagen Business School, 18th-19th June 2007
Ashford R, Jackson C, Sparrow J, Patel D and Jiang T (2007) The suitability of the workability index to measure the workability of people and reflect improvements made by physical exercise among older workers in the UK, Presentation to Competence 50+ conference, Svenska Mässan Gothenburg 18th-20th June 2007
Sparrow J (2007) Life coaching in the UK workplace. Presentation to British Psychological Society conference on Life Coaching in the Workplace, UCE Birmingham, June 18th 2007
Rose P and Sparrow J (2007b) Social entrepreneurs: their role in deprived communities. Proceedings of British Academy of Management Conference, Warwick University, 10th-13th September 2007
Sparrow J and Patel D (2007) Subjective wellbeing, self-employment and enterprise success. Proceedings of the 30th Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference, 7-9 November 2007, Glasgow
Sparrow J and Patel S (2007) The failure of business support to facilitate entrepreneurial learning, Proceedings of the 30th Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference, 7-9 November 2007, Glasgow
Sparrow J and Patel D (2007) Subjective wellbeing, self-employment and enterprise success. Proceedings of the 30th Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference, 7-9 November 2007, Glasgow
Sparrow J (2007) Life coaching in the workplace, International Coaching Psychology Review, 2.3.277-297
Sparrow J, Ashford R and Patel D (2007) Work-life balance in social enterprise. Paper presented to the Institute of Social Entrepreneurs Annual Conference “New Visions for Social Enterprise”, Jury’s Inn, Birmingham, 27 November 2007
Sparrow J, Ashford J and Patel D (2007) Health and wellbeing: The development of a measure of the impact of work life balance and the intention to change, Research report and presentation to the Adjust the Balance Social Footprints Symposium, ICC Birmingham, 11 December 2007
Sparrow J (2008) Enhancing emotional range in strategic visioning, International Journal of Business Innovation and Research 2.4.437- 448
Sparrow J and Tarkowski K (2008) University adaptation in process consultation upon innovation: A case study of impact upon teaching and learning practice, Paper presented at the Higher Education Academy Business, Management, Accounting and Finance Conference, Edinburgh, 29-30 April 2008
Sparrow J and Tarkowski K (2008) University-SME collaboration: Facilitating process change in organizations through anticipating ‘Tipping Points’ in the context of organizational and entrepreneurial learning, Paper presented at ISPIM Open Innovation conference, 19th ISPIM conference – Open Innovation: Creating Products and Services through Collaboration, Tours, France, 15-18 June 2008
Rana B, Hussain J, Lane A, Marere AJ, Patel D, Reddy S and Sparrow J (2008)Developing capability in Social Enterprise to undertake Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis: The role of Micro Clusters. Report to Institute for Social Entrepreneurs
Sparrow J and Tarkowski K (2008) Evaluation of the impact of the Service by Design Innovation Mentor programme. Report to HEFCE upon Birmingham City University SDF project.
Sparrow J, Tarkowski K and Mooney M (2009) University innovation mentors as facilitators of service innovation. Paper presented to Proton Europe Conference 28-30 January 2009, Cardiff
Sparrow J, Tarkowski K and Mooney M (2009) Trust within SME encounters with university innovation mentors: A pre-cursor for entrepreneurial learning and innovation? Paper presented at the 2nd Engage-HEI conference, 20-21 May 2009, Birmingham City University
Aziz N and Sparrow J (2009) Exploring the potential of mass-customisation as an innovation in the express parcel delivery industry, International Journal of Business Innovation and Research 3.6.634-650
Sparrow J (2009)Impact of emotions associated with reflecting upon the past, Reflective Practice, 10.5.567-576
Sparrow J, Tarkowski K, Lancaster N and Mooney M (2009) Evolving knowledge integration and absorptive capacity perspectives on university-industry interaction within a university, Education and Training, 51.8/9.648-664
Sparrow J and Tarkowski K (2009) The role of trust in entrepreneurial learning for organisational agility: Findings from a study of university innovation mentors facilitating SME service innovation, Proceedings of 32nd Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference, 3-6 November 2009, Novas Centre, Liverpool
Sparrow J (2009) Doctoral level feedback and reflection for academic writing in Mode 2 knowledge contexts: A study of candidate development within a DBA professional doctorate programme, Keynote paper presented to the UKCGE International Conference on Professional Doctorates, 9-10 November 2009, Cavendish Conference Centre, London
Sparrow J, Tarkowski K and Mooney M (2009) An evaluative inquiry of university innovation mentor facilitation of service innovation, Paper presented at the International Conference on Innovation through Knowledge Transfer, 3 December 2009, Hampton Court Palace, London
Murira N, Ashford R and Sparrow J (2010) Primiparous women’s experiences of labour in Harare, Zimbabwe, African Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health, 4.2.75-79
Murira N, Ashford R and Sparrow J (2010) Communicating health information in teaching hospitals in Zimbabwe, African Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health, 4.3.147-152
Sparrow J (2010) Understanding the enterprise coach’s role set, Keynote presentation to 1st National Conference on Enterprise Coaching, Derby Conference Centre, 27 April 2010
Sparrow J, Tarkowski K and Mooney M (2010) Assessing changes in university academic staff knowledge intensive business service skills, Paper presented at the Engage-HEI conference, University of Bradford, 20-21 May 2010
Sparrow J, Tarkowski K and Mooney M (2010) An evaluative inquiry of university innovation mentor facilitation of service innovation, in R.J. Howlett (ed) Innovation through Knowledge Transfer, Berlin, Springer-Verlag pp 345-353
Sparrow J (2010) A study of pathways in the development of ‘critical’ management practice, Paper presented at the British Academy of Management conference, University of Sheffield, 14-16 September 2010
Sparrow J (2010) Development of knowledge intensive business services and knowledge transfer channels to support SME service innovation, Proceedings of 33rd Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship conference, London, 3-4 November 2010
Sparrow J (2010) Assessing changes in university knowledge transfer capability to support innovation: A knowledge intensive business service perspective, Paper presented at 2nd International Conference on Innovation through Knowledge Transfer, Coventry, 7-8 December 2010
Sparrow J (2011) Knowledge management in Small and Medium sized Enterprises, In D Schwarz and D Te-eni (eds), Encyclopedia of Knowledge Management (2nd edn), Pages 671 – 681, London, Idea Group Inc
Aziz N and Sparrow J (2011) Patterns of gaining and sharing knowledge about customers: a study of an express parcel delivery company of the UK, Knowledge Management Research and Practice, 9.1.29-47
Sparrow J (2011) Organisations achieving social purpose: Some implications for positive wellbeing, Paper presented at the 1st International Conference Exploring the Multi-dimensions of Wellbeing, 18-19 July 2011, Birmingham City University
Rose P and Sparrow J (2011) Business Support Professionals: individual and organisational valence relationships, Paper presented at the British Academy of Management conference, University of Aston, 13-15 September 2011
Edger C and Sparrow J (2011) Do high performance multi-unit leaders engage their unit managers? Paper presented at the British Academy of Management conference, University of Aston, 13-15 September 2011
Sparrow J and McCabe S (2011) Supporting business innovation: Assessing knowledge, complexity and design competencies and positioning of SMEs. Paper presented at the British Academy of Management conference, University of Aston, 13-15 September 2011
Sparrow J, Clarke V and Rose P (2011) Action research to develop evaluation frameworks for enterprise coaching in disadvantaged communities, Proceedings of 34th Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship conference, Sheffield, 9-10 November 2011
Sparrow J (2013) Enhancing wellbeing with an e-coach. Proceedings of the 2nd International Wellbeing Conference 2013, Birmingham City University, 24-25 July 2013.
Sparrow J and McCabe S (2014) An explorative study of design thinking in a university research innovation and enterprise department, Paper presented at the British Academy of Management Conference, 9-11 September 2014, Belfast Waterfront, Belfast
Sparrow J (2014) Computerised life coaching. Paper presented to the Euro Coach List Conference 8-9 November 2014, Eastwood Park, Gloucestershire
Sparrow J (2016) The impact of e-coaching question framing upon emotions in self-reflection, self-efficacy and subjective well-being. Paper presented at Wellbeing 2016: Co-creating Pathways to Well-being Conference, 5-6 September 2016, Birmingham City University
Sparrow J and Nyfoudi M (2016) The impact of positive and negative emotional attractors during e-coaching upon emotional tone of responses, self-efficacy and intrapreneurial mindset. Paper presented at the British Academy of Management Conference, 6-8 September 2016, University of Newcastle
Sparrow J and Clarke V (2017) The impact of of e-coaching question framing upon leadership self-efficacy. Paper presented at the British Academy of Management Conference, 5-7 September 2017, University of Warwick
Sparrow J (2018) Emotional transition and the internet world: Implications for Well-being. In R Coles (ed) Pathways to Wellbeing Design. London. Taylor and Francis.