Articles tagged with Business
Researchers found that marketing diet or sugar-free versions does not increase overall turnover, but reducing package size leads to an increase in sales figures. Smaller packages also work better when marketed as a fun alternative.
A new study found that acquisitions in the biopharmaceutical industry can disrupt trust and knowledge exchange routines between companies, leading to a higher risk of alliance termination. The odds of termination for exposed alliances are 11% greater than for unexposed ones.
A new study found that working for a big company or in an HR role does not lower the likelihood of showing unconscious bias against disabled people at work. Despite large firms' efforts to address EDI and unconscious bias through training, levels of implicit bias remain roughly the same across different sized companies.
Professor Liyan Yang, a leading expert in financial markets and institutions, has been awarded the Bank of Canada's prestigious Fellowship Award. The award recognizes his groundbreaking research on investor interactions and its impact on regulatory policy and economic welfare.
A new study found that managers target loyal workers for exploitative practices, such as unpaid work and extra job tasks. The study suggests that loyalty can lead to a vicious cycle where loyal workers are more likely to be exploited and then become even more loyal, making them more susceptible to exploitation in the future.
A new study by the University of East Anglia reveals the struggles faced by trans and non-binary employees in the workplace, including stigma, harassment, and lack of inclusivity. The research emphasizes the need to challenge binary gender norms to create a more welcoming environment.
Researchers examine how sugar reduction strategies affect new product sales, finding that smaller package sizes perform better than regular sizes. Sugar reductions work better if they do not overemphasize the reduced sugar content in new additions.
Researchers developed a framework highlighting four facets of honest behavior: intellectual honesty, honest content, honest disclosure, and honest delivery. These elements are crucial for fostering accurate beliefs, understanding, and truthful communication.
Researchers find that fact-based appeals are more effective when the goal is near completion, while affect-based appeals match people's feelings-oriented psychological state and are better suited for shorter-term goals. The study advances understanding of persuasive messages in collective goals and provides key insights for marketers.
Research by University of Missouri expert Naresh Khatri shows that companies with effective HR and IT departments thrive when allowing employees to work from home. Employees can complete collaborative tasks with similar quality and quantity, regardless of location.
A new study found that consumers prefer conventional spelling over unconventional ones for brand names. In various studies, participants showed less positive responses to brands with misspelled names, perceiving them as less sincere and more gimmicky. Established brands may still benefit from non-standard spellings in certain contexts.
New research reveals that gender targets in the Australian public service do not lead to expected improvements in gender equity for women in leadership. The study suggests that effective policies, such as having at least two women on shortlists and leadership training, are crucial to increasing female representation in senior roles.
Researchers analyzed 140,000 patient records and TV ads from Florida to investigate the effectiveness of DTCA for robotics surgery. The study found that patients exposed to robotic surgery advertising were more likely to choose it over conventional laparoscopic and open surgeries. Additionally, hospital marketers can use DTCA to sway p...
A team of researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has developed a system to optimize TV ad scheduling, resulting in a 3-5% revenue increase for networks. The model combines mathematical programming and machine learning to assign ads to specific breaks and positions.
A new study by WVU economist Zachary Porreca found that gentrification can displace organized criminal activity, leading to a surge in gun violence in nearby neighborhoods. The study analyzed data on shootings and real estate across Philadelphia neighborhoods between 2011-2020.
A new study by Cornell University found that customers who use one-click checkout spend more on average, visiting the site 7% more often and buying a wider range of merchandise. One-click buyers also spent more time on the site per visit.
Shuttle Revolution, a 2.5D badminton fighting game developed by Head Empty Studios, has won the top prize in the Tranzfuser competition. The team plans to continue developing the game with paid content and explore careers as indie devs.
A study of 592 firms found that climate change initiatives positively impact market value, while also increasing greenhouse gas emissions. The presence of a board sustainability committee was associated with higher emissions, suggesting a 'greenwashing' effect.
Consumer financial vulnerability (CFV) is a risk of experiencing future harm given current access to financial resources and future uncertainty. Most consumers across the socioeconomic spectrum experience varying degrees of CFV at different life stages, due to factors like age, economic cycles, and unforeseen crises.
A Carnegie Mellon University professor proposes a new AI model that highlights the evidence of fairness in decision-making. The model provides counterfactual explanations to demonstrate whether past decisions were fair or biased. This research has practical implications for legislative efforts, industry norms, and AI model evaluation.
Researchers developed a structured approach to close gender pay gaps by analyzing pay drivers and allocating raises to underpaid women. This method improved pay equity in dozens of businesses worldwide, including those with up to 130,000 employees.
Researchers explore the 'what to sell' question in companies, finding three primary drivers: technology market, firm capabilities, and marketing capabilities. This decision comes before the 'how to sell' question, influencing costs and revenue models.
HemaChrome, a digital health startup, has won phase 1 of the National Institutes of Health's RADx Tech for Maternal Health Challenge. The company uses smartphone technology to noninvasively measure blood hemoglobin levels, making them accessible and affordable for nearly everyone.
A growing use of blockchain in global supply chains creates a 'regulatory gap' for resolving disputes, according to new research. The study suggests that firms using blockchain feel left to their own devices when solving disagreements and conflicts, highlighting the need for appropriate mechanisms.
Research by Julian Givi and colleagues found that givers tend to avoid digital gift cards due to concerns about violating social norms. However, recipients prefer digital gift cards for their ease of use and lower risk of loss. The study suggests that retailers can promote digital gift cards through occasion-based promotions.
Research finds that older workers who are motivated to grow and develop at work, as well as those in organizations that encourage learning, are more likely to stay. An age-inclusive environment also aids in retention by mitigating age stereotypes and removing barriers for training participation.
A new study examines how customer participation in subscription box services translates into outcomes that benefit companies. The researchers found that customers who provided feedback before or after receiving their box were more likely to make future purchases, with a 14% increase in revenue for those who participated before and an 5...
Researchers tested three common techniques to make algorithms fairer and found that one approach didn't reduce social norm bias at all. They proposed a new technique: a formula to directly measure social norm bias in an algorithm so it can be corrected. This bias can persist even after overt discrimination is removed.
A Washington State University-led research team created a product allocation model that leverages past customer transactions to provide brick-and-mortar stores with personalized shopping experiences. The model identifies profitable products, item associations, and past-aisle impulse to determine ideal product placement and optimize sto...
Researchers found that consumers are less likely to like, trust and buy a product after a change in branding intended to address racism. Despite being informed of the intention, consumers still exhibit negative reactions to the rebranding.
Research finds speaking up to competent managers leads to a 12%-15% increase in sales performance, while speaking sideways to peers decreases performance by 10%. Employees should critically assess who they direct their voice to when proposing changes.
A study found that communities experiencing sudden and significant job losses in manufacturing are less likely to engage in sustainability planning and meet sustainability-related goals. This is attributed to deep-rooted connections between industry and community identity, making it difficult for these communities to transition.
Research from Cornell University finds that replacement work-from-home (working during regular hours) boosts psychological well-being and engagement, while extension work-from-home (working outside of regular hours) leads to lower well-being, higher turnover intentions, and conflict between work and family. Women are particularly affec...
A new study suggests that Thai confectioners can gain a competitive advantage by using their country's local heritage and culture. The research found that youngsters in Thailand still enjoy local confectionary as well as Western brands, but local products have strong emotional value to them.
Plant-based protein products are generally reported positively in UK newspapers, but issues such as high processing levels and environmental footprints of protein crops dominate the narrative. The study suggests that big business involvement is also a significant concern.
A study by Hannes Wagner finds that governance mechanisms aligning investors' and directors' interests improve environmental performance. The study also shows a positive relation between the appointment of female directors and environmental performance.
Researchers found that inexpensive techniques, such as nudges, can increase adoption of app features and complete onboarding. The study's findings have implications for consumer privacy, customer relationship management, and regulation.
A recent study by Mario Daniele Amore and Sebastian Schwenen found that firms that hire lucky CEOs experience declining results. Lucky CEOs possess greater bargaining power, leading to higher compensation and more attractive job assignments. However, this is associated with poorer company performance and slower growth.
A new study found that anti-Asian discrimination during the pandemic led to a nearly 20-percent drop in business at Chinese restaurants, resulting in an additional $7.4 billion in lost revenue. The researchers also found a strong link between political rhetoric blaming China for COVID-19 and the decline in business.
A new study from Tufts University finds that dollar stores have doubled their share in rural areas, with households headed by people of color and lower-income households relying heavily on them. The growth of dollar stores raises concerns about the nutritional value of their food offerings and potential displacement of local grocers.
Scientists propose an 'essential use approach' to eliminate harmful chemicals from daily use and exposure, benefiting public health and the environment. This approach advocates for restricting the use of chemicals only where necessary for health or societal functioning, with feasible alternatives available.
A recent study by Giulia Giupponi and Camille Landais finds that short-time work programs can improve employment outcomes for workers during periods of crisis. The policy helps firms retain more workers and is more likely to survive. However, its effectiveness decreases in the long run as it may subsidize low-productivity jobs.
Researchers explored the impact of pick failures on e-commerce retail sales and found that incorporating this factor into order management systems can lead to significant savings. By modeling pick failure probabilities, retailers can optimize their ship-from-store programs and reduce costs.
A new model predicts US recessions and slowdowns by analyzing the aggregate probability of financial misreporting in the economy. The model improves recession prediction by about 25% over existing models, providing regulators with more lead time to prepare for a recession.
Researchers developed a new model to predict U.S. recessions and economic slowdowns based on financial statement manipulation. The study found that high levels of potential manipulation in financial statements can improve recession prediction 5 to 8 quarters away.
A study found that remote workers are more likely to protect IT resources when faced with fear and a clear understanding of potential security threats. Employers can encourage secure behaviors by clearly communicating threats and promoting self-efficacy, and also consider integrating stewardship theory to promote a sense of collectivism.
Researchers from top universities examined when to send review reminders and found that timing affects both likelihood and quality of reviews. The study suggests companies should adjust their practices to elicit more consumer feedback.
Research reveals private equity firms experience greater replacement of the workforce and rely on physician assistants and nurse practitioners. A more stable workforce is associated with better health outcomes for patients.
Researchers found that executives engage in more profitable insider trades when tax rates increase, posing risks to companies and shareholders. Conversely, fewer investigations occur when income taxes decrease, suggesting executives may use insider trading to boost compensation.
The Kimchi premium, a gap between crypto prices in South Korea and the USA, leads to increased overseas remittances to China. A study found that for every 1% increase in the premium, there's a 7.6% rise in remittance value and a 5.8% increase in quantity.
A new study found that structured visual design properties, such as symmetry and balance, reinforce claims about a brand's utilitarian benefits. In contrast, unstructured designs are associated with hedonic benefits. The research suggests marketers can use perception to influence beliefs about brand performance and consumer choice.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology found that AI chatbots' positive emotional displays have no effect on customer service evaluations when the source is a bot, but improve when human agents exhibit emotions. The study suggests businesses should be cautious about equipping AI agents with emotion-expressing capabilities.
A new study found that only 6.1% of US firms with wildfires in their headquarters county disclose wildfire risks in required federal filings, highlighting a gap in transparency and risk management. Firms are more likely to disclose risks when they have previously experienced wildfires, and the most disclosure-sensitive firms are those ...
Researchers found that consumers pay more when asked to make payment decisions after receiving the product, especially for high-value offerings. Conversely, lower values are paid when decisions are made before receipt. This timing effect can inform businesses and organizations implementing pay-what-you-want pricing mechanisms.
Researchers found that companies engaging in corporate political advocacy experience lower brand attitudes and purchase intentions, particularly among consumers with low political efficacy. These effects are driven by the lack of faith in political institutions among these consumers.
A recent study using game theory explains why people with experience don't report sexual misconduct, citing a 'first mover disadvantage' and uncertainty over others' actions. Reporting improves when individuals are aware of other reports, problematic behavior is penalized, or targeted employees receive damage awards.
A new study found that IRS audits can lead to a significant decrease in the survival rate of small businesses, with non-compliant companies being 2.7-12.6 percentage points less likely to survive. However, compliant businesses may experience operational costs but also benefits from improved tax efficiency and increased investment.
A large-scale study revealed that entrepreneurs are less at risk of burnout than salaried employees due to the positive psychological effects of entrepreneurial work. Entrepreneurs show less daily work recovery after regular working hours, indicating a 'positive workaholism'. This leads to a lower risk of burnout and increased happiness.
Researchers found that secondary selling, a salesperson's considerate behavior with secondary entities like customers and company property, increases sales revenues and customer satisfaction. The study suggests training initiatives and making secondary selling behaviors visible to customers.
A 10-year study found that aggressive law enforcement tactics can actually increase trade-based money laundering (TBML) in the EU, with up to 11% of all trade involving 'dirty' money