Dr. David Erkens

Research
David H. Erkens studies how organizations can design and use control systems to make better decisions, focusing on areas like executive compensation, boards of directors, and operational controls. His research has been published in leading journals, including The Accounting Review, Management Science, Journal of Accounting Research, and the Journal of Corporate Finance, and has earned multiple honors such as best paper awards and the AAA Management Accounting Section Best Early-Career Researcher Award. His work has also been featured in The Economist, CFO Magazine, and even in policy discussions at the European Commission.

Teaching
Dr. Erkens brings a global perspective and real-world insight to the classroom, helping students bridge the gap between management accounting theory and practice. He has taught across all levels — from undergraduates to MBA, executive, DBA, and PhD students — in the United States, Europe, and Asia. His dedication to teaching was recognized with first prize in the 2021 Global Contest for the Best China-Focused Cases. Before joining Chapman University, he taught at China Europe International Business School, Georgetown University, and the University of Southern California.