Research on business, work, and organizations. Covers dissent and management, innovation, workplace activism, and generative AI in investing.
A University of Alberta researcher found that people are willing to lie to help a friend protect their reputation or save face. The study suggests that friends with closer relationships may be more likely to fib on behalf of their friends.
A new study by Columbia Business School researchers found that retailer characteristics, not individual stores, explain variation in price dynamics. The analysis used millions of price observations to document high-frequency price movements across stores and chains.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new calendar system that eliminates year-to-year changes, making timekeeping and financial calculations more predictable. The Hanke-Henry Permanent Calendar features a 91-day quarterly pattern, which simplifies interest calculations and reduces economic uncertainty.
A new science rigorously evaluates the effectiveness of team training in improving safety, decision-making, and communication. The study shows that training can produce results and improve clinical outcomes.
A study by Columbia Business School researchers found a significant correlation between time discounting and low FICO credit scores. Participants with better patience scores had significantly higher FICO scores, indicating a potential link between impatience and poorer financial decisions.
A new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that female students who were more optimistic achieved significantly higher grades than their less optimistic peers. In contrast, male students who were too optimistic struggled with overconfidence and lower grades due to a lack of conscientiousness.
Health insurance costs outpaced income growth in every state, with premium increases ranging from 33% in Idaho to 70% in Mississippi. Employees contributed 63% more to premiums while getting less protective coverage, with per-person deductibles doubling over the same period.
Research by University of Cincinnati professor Leila Rodriguez examines business strategies and networking patterns among Nigerian immigrants in New York City. The study reveals that these entrepreneurs adapt African business models to Western strategies, maintaining social distance with suppliers, customers, and employees.
A study by Professor Timothy Golden found that individuals who juggle conflicting demands between their work and home lives experience more work exhaustion. However, those with lower levels of conflict benefit from teleworking during traditional or non-traditional work hours, leading to reduced exhaustion.
Researchers identified three patterns in couples dealing with male depression: 'trading places,' where partners assume atypical roles; 'business as usual,' where couples downplay problems; and 'edgy tensions,' where resentment builds. The study underscores women's crucial role in helping men manage their depression.
Researchers develop a general model of disinhibition, which occurs when inhibitory forces are temporarily removed, allowing initial impulses to be expressed. This can result in pro-social or anti-social behavior depending on the context.
A national survey found that businesses primarily invest in signs to make their businesses stand out and aid potential customers find locations. The study also found economic impacts of sign changes on businesses.
A Rutgers-affiliated company has received a $207,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop a technology that analyzes tissue from breast cancer biopsies to predict how aggressive the disease is likely to be. This technology could help physicians and patients plan effective therapies with minimal side effects.
A UBC study reveals that envious employees are more likely to undermine peers if they feel disconnected from others. The researchers found that moral disengagement is a key factor in sabotaging behavior, occurring when employees experience weak relationships with colleagues.
A new study explains why leaders are often perceived as strong and dominant, despite their generosity. In non-competitive contexts, generous individuals are admired and respected, but in times of competition, they are seen as weak and submissive.
A study by USC, Stanford, and Kellogg School researchers found that individuals with power but low status are more likely to engage in demeaning activities. The study's results support the idea that a combination of power and lack of respect can be toxic, as seen in incidents like Abu Ghraib torture and the Stanford Prison Experiment.
Patients with acute low back pain who were advised to stay active despite the pain fared better in recovery and mental health compared to those told to adjust their activity in line with their pain. This study found that staying active can help patients recover more quickly and manage depression.
A new study suggests that harboring overconfidence can be beneficial in various situations, including sports and business. The research reveals that accurate assessments are often outweighed by overconfident strategies when the rewards of conflict are high enough to justify the risks.
A special digital issue featuring 150-page four-volume reports from first-person accounts of responders who were thrust into the world spotlight on September 11, 2001. The report highlights the devastating effects of 9/11 on responders' lives and relationships, as well as their reluctance to seek counseling.
A study on the Beckham family's branding strategy reveals that creating a dynamic personal story with distinct persona cues is crucial for achieving brand distinctiveness. By leveraging opportunities for publicity and social media visibility, families can build a strong brand presence that endures beyond their original field of practice.
A University of Alberta study finds that unconscious feelings about objects in the environment influence long-term goal pursuit. The unconscious continues to positively value objects related to goals, even after success or failure, making it a key motivator. Participants reacted neutrally to objects after a failure, indicating a shift ...
Research finds that community stability can mitigate the negative effects of alcohol outlets on neighborhood violence, while disorganized communities are more affected. Communities with stronger social cohesion and formal regulation of local retailers show less violence.
A Wildlife Conservation Society program, COMACO, has improved rural livelihoods while restoring local wildlife populations. The study found that COMACO farmers had higher crop yields and improved soil quality, contributing to the stabilization of wildlife populations.
Researchers found that men are willing to take more financial risks, while women take more social risks, such as starting a new career or addressing an unpopular issue. Adolescents can be just as cautious and careful as adults when thinking calmly about a situation.
Researchers created a novel solution to generate high-quality schedules for MLB umpires, minimizing travel time and adhering to league rules. The method, developed in collaboration with experts from Carnegie Mellon University and Michigan State University, reduced the creation time from weeks to just a few days.
A recent study by the University of Kentucky found that smoke-free legislation does not negatively influence local economies in either rural or urban communities. The study, which examined economic data from 2001-2009, showed that smoke-free laws are good for business regardless of location.
The Liverpool pavilion received over 770,000 visitors during the 184-day expo period, with 99% of visitors recommending it to a friend. This exposure led to increased interest from Chinese firms, with 75% of sponsors including China in their business plans and 70% expecting future sales/orders.
A new network defense tool developed by Heechang Shin uses a game theoretic model called defensive forecasting to detect network intrusions. This approach is more effective than previous methods and provides real-time detection, allowing for quicker response and blocking of intrusions.
Researchers found that journalists were more likely to cover the cultural aspects of a story, such as race and business, compared to bloggers. This reflects the advantages professional journalists have over bloggers, including better training and resources.
A nationwide study in China found that 55.6% of men and 15% of women are current drinkers, with frequent binge drinking among males and women averaging 5.6 and 2.4 binges per year, respectively. Cultural factors, such as social pressure and entrenched customs, contribute to the problem.
A University of Guelph study shows that new employees who undergo structured on-boarding processes are more likely to be engaged and committed to their job. The study found that personalized engagement is key to a new employee's commitment and performance.
Research by Columbia Business School and University of Chicago Booth School of Business found that offering too many 401k funds deters employees from enrolling in the plan. The study revealed a decrease in equity fund allocation and an increase in 'nothing' allocation as the number of funds increases.
The Mid-Atlantic Dray Truck Replacement Program aims to double the impact of a federal cash-for-clunkers-style program by combining public and voluntary private contributions. The initiative will offer $15,000 to truckers for new vehicle down-payments and help arrange financing.
A new study by the Commonwealth Fund reveals that Medicaid managed care plans owned by publicly traded for-profit companies spend an average of 14% on administrative costs, compared to 10% for non-publicly traded plans. The report highlights concerns about quality of care and efficiency in these plans.
A University of Cincinnati researcher is using simulation modeling to study the impact of electronic health record implementation on emergency departments. The study aims to quantify the operational disruption caused by EHRs and optimize efficiency during implementation.
Researchers found that cash-based overcompensation leads to higher satisfaction ratings than industry-standard compensation or voucher-based overcompensation. Participants were most satisfied with a $400 cash bonus, but satisfaction levels did not increase linearly with the amount of cash provided.
Researchers found that domain expertise insulates experts from biases caused by monetary favors, using functional MRI scans. Non-experts, however, are more susceptible to such biases, which can affect their judgments in various areas, including politics and medicine.
A study by Columbia Business School found that people's beliefs on global warming are influenced by daily temperature, with warmer days leading to increased concern. The researchers surveyed over 1,200 people and found that perceptions of temperature correlated with reality three-quarters of the time.
According to a new study from Tufts University researchers, whites now perceive anti-white racism as a bigger problem than anti-black racism. Whites agree that anti-black racism has decreased over the last 60 years, while also believing that anti-white racism has increased and is now prevalent.
A new report by the Commonwealth Fund recommends modifications to current policies to minimize gaps in health insurance coverage and administrative burdens when people's lives change, particularly during job transitions or income fluctuations. The report aims to ensure that individuals can easily sign up for and keep their coverage, re...
A new study from Family Process reveals that family business succession is an emotionally charged process, influenced by internal and interpersonal factors. The research highlights the importance of trust, worldview, and relationships in facilitating or hindering successful succession.
The Affordable Care Act is expanding health insurance coverage to nearly all uninsured women, addressing the issue of millions unable to afford needed healthcare. The law includes premium subsidies and new rules protecting women from high costs, aiming to increase access to preventive care and reduce medical debt.
Research by Dominic Williams reveals no direct relationship between business rates and economic activity, despite politicians suggesting a link. Councils with higher rates income are mainly large cities, while growth is often driven by smaller councils with new businesses.
The study shows that small firms can access foreign markets through intermediaries, enabling them to become direct exporters in the future. Intermediate firms facilitate direct export participation by smaller firms, especially in high-trade-cost markets.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that people are willing to trade one source of control for the other. Researchers discovered that lacking power triggers a greater need for choice, while having an abundance of choice doesn't lead to striving for power. Having neither makes people distinctly dissatisfied.
A study by UC Riverside finds that managers' conceptions of employees can be self-fulfilling prophecies affecting job satisfaction, relationships, and trust. Leaders with positive conceptions tend to treat their employees positively, while those with negative conceptions have a negative impact on followers.
Research reveals mothers have a higher sickness absence rate compared to fathers, with twice as many days paid out after childbirth. Increased gainful employment and caregiving responsibilities for women contribute to the disparity.
A new self-monitoring blood glucose sensor developed by Arizona State University engineers and clinicians enables patients to draw tear fluid from their eyes to get a glucose-level test sample. The device aims to make blood glucose testing easier, more comfortable and potentially better control diabetes.
A new study of small private firms in 21 emerging market countries found that those with higher quality accounting make better investment decisions. Firms with strong incentives to minimize taxes have poorer financial reporting and less efficient investment decisions.
A study by Columbia Business School professor Stephan Meier found that incentives can decrease public goods contribution and increase free-riding behavior in group environments with informal norm enforcement. The researchers discovered that incentives changed the norm of contribution, making it acceptable to exploit common resources.
InDevR received a $3 million Phase II NIH grant to develop an integrated molecular diagnostic platform for influenza screening. The technology aims to provide accurate, rapid, and cost-effective identification of influenza viruses.
A recent economic recession has created a shortage of credit for small businesses, forcing many to rely on personal savings and household assets to stay afloat. This can put their personal assets at risk, warns MU researcher Tansel Yilmazer.
A Baylor study found that employees with high levels of honesty and humility tend to perform better in their jobs, according to supervisor ratings. The researchers also discovered that these traits predict job performance above other personality variables.
A study by Michigan State University found that employees who fake smile for customer interactions worsen their mood and withdraw from work. In contrast, those who cultivate positive thoughts improve their mood and withdraw less. The study also showed gender differences, with women being more affected by fake smiling.
A recent study by the University of Colorado Boulder suggests that ignoring an unemployed spouse's job search stress can lead to decreased productivity and strained relationships in the home. The researchers found that couples are better at sharing their burden than alleviating it, leading to a negative impact on both spouses.
A psychological scientist in Germany found that dialing specific numbers on a cell phone can induce positive emotions and activate word meanings. The study used number sequences corresponding to words, such as "love" and "friend," to show that mere typing of these numbers could affect participants' emotional responses.
A study found that consumers are more likely to react negatively to poor service from a friend than a business associate. The researchers suggest that this is because people in friendships expect their partners to be concerned about them, and when this expectation is not met, it can lead to feelings of betrayal.
Research finds vines are outcompeting trees in tropical forests across the Americas, posing a threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services. This shift has significant implications for climate models, business models relying on tree growth data, and human communities dependent on these forests.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that people are more likely to abandon a failing investment when they focus on their hopes and aspirations, rather than their duties and obligations. This suggests that changing one's mindset can help individuals make more rational decisions about continuing or ending a project.
Researchers measured charisma using empathy, good listening skills, eye contact, enthusiasm, and self-confidence. The study found that these attributes can be acquired rather than innate, suggesting that charisma can be learned.