David Lehman studies basic questions related to organization theory. One stream of his research focuses on organizational learning, with an emphasis on understanding how risk, routines, and rules impact decision making over time. The other stream focuses on organizational authenticity, with an emphasis on understanding how audiences respond to firms, things, and people that they view as real. He has conducted his research in a variety of domains, including professional sports, food and dining, healthcare, pipeline and hazardous materials, and global exporting.