Folkert has a Ph.D. from the Erasmus University Rotterdam, ranked among the top-tier research institutions in the world. Folkert’s research focuses on “New Forms of Leadership in Sports Teams and Politics” and the effect of building emotional capital in teams and organizations. The research provides new insights into real-life cases by addressing the underlying dynamics within teams and organizations. A new research project was launched in 2024 to investigate the leadership role of the conductor in relation to the orchestra.
As part of his Ph.D. project, the research takes a deep dive into ‘leadership in the plural’- a concept borne out of the need to address the complex, interconnected challenges in today’s global business and societal contexts. This study challenges the traditional hierarchical frameworks and champions a plural leadership approach that enhances collaboration within teams and across groups. Focusing on professional sports teams, the study reveals how pluralistic leadership naturally unfolds in environments where interdependence and distinctive leadership traits are critical. These findings offer strategic insights for businesses and other organizations to manage complexity through collective leadership approaches effectively. Furthermore, the research extends to the shift from vertical to horizontal leadership structures, adding valuable knowledge to the broader discourser of intergroup leadership in various contexts.
Folkert lectures at Erasmus University Rotterdam and the University of Cologne, teaching MBA and Executive Programs on organizational change. Besides lecturing, he is a speaker at conferences and for companies. Folkert is a member of the advisory board of the Erasmus Centre for Leadership at Rotterdam School of Management and of the Development Board of the Erasmus Trust Fund Foundation.