Articles tagged with Business
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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
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 new case study explores the early years of BioOne and SPIE's nonprofit platform partnership, highlighting its potential to reduce costs and enhance strategic development. The authors share key lessons learned, including the importance of regular communication and reciprocal service-level agreements.
Researchers at The University of Alabama found that properties listed by women agents sold for significantly less than those marketed by men. However, when adjusted for property attributes, there was no significant difference in price or time on the market between male and female real estate agents.
A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that individuals who are feeling tense due to time pressures and financial constraints tend not to reward themselves with gifts or experiences. However, when researchers encouraged participants to engage in self-gifting activities, they reported increased happiness and relaxat...
Researchers at Binghamton University propose a three-pillar approach to increase inclusion in STEM fields, including flexibility, accommodation, and modification. This framework aims to address the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities and other constraints.
Startups with few female employees face difficulties attracting women, leading to a lopsided workforce. To address this issue, companies must acknowledge and communicate their diversity debt, showcasing their commitment to creating a safe environment for women.
A new visual scale called Matches Measure can quickly assess job burnout, reducing participant fatigue and increasing understanding. The scale is comparable to existing burnout measures and relates to known predictors and consequences of job burnout.
University of Missouri engineers are working on a collaborative human-robot order picking system to speed up the online delivery process. The proposed model aims to optimize key decisions in warehouse operations, allowing robots to navigate efficiently and collaborate with humans to increase efficiency.
A new study from Trinity College Dublin and WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management found that brief positive interventions, such as watching a funny video, can help employees overcome daily challenges like annoying emails or unloved tasks. This leads to increased effectiveness at work, including better engagement, creativity, and beh...
New research finds that digital make-up mirrors enhance a sense of self-inauthenticity among consumers, leading to embarrassment and shame. Conversely, in-store experiences allow for a more authentic and enjoyable shopping experience.
Researchers identify conditions that reduce the negative effect of acquisitions on consumers' reactions to acquired brands. The study found that perceived loss of a brand's unique values is a key trigger for negative reactions, which can be mitigated by factors like brand age and leadership continuity.
Researchers found that conventional thinkers can come up with more creative ideas after practicing emotional reappraisal, which involves viewing a situation through another emotional lens. This technique can be trained and helps individuals tap into their knowledge and experience, improving business productivity.
Researchers found that featured reviews on Amazon can lead to higher sales and improved customer satisfaction, but the impact decreases when there are too many reviews. Products with three reviews performed better than those with more or fewer reviews.
A new study finds that automation has contributed significantly to the growth in income inequality in the US, with 50-70% of the increase attributed to technological changes. The study analyzed data from 49 industries and 500 demographic subgroups, finding that automation has disproportionately affected low-skill service workers.
Women entrepreneurs tend to be more flexible and resourceful in their decision-making, leading to greater business success. This study found that women are more likely to use 'effectual logic,' which involves creatively using available resources to achieve success.