Research on business, work, and organizations. Covers dissent and management, innovation, workplace activism, and generative AI in investing.
A new study from the University of Vaasa finds that strong organisational support and favourable working conditions improve expatriates' well-being, leading to better job outcomes. The research identifies crucial factors such as job autonomy, social support, and work-family balance in shaping the expatriate experience.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers reveals that auditors with high honesty-humility scores are more likely to report financial misstatements, while those with low scores do not. This suggests that screening auditors for honesty-humility could enhance monitoring quality and prevent costly oversight failures.
The Cyber-Resilience Resource Center will provide training and support to organizations across West Virginia, with a focus on small and medium-sized businesses. Over 200 students will gain real-world cybersecurity experience through the center.
A new paper by Rowena Crabbe explores how entrepreneurship can help marginalized groups surmount obstacles, including limited access to capital, social closure, and consumer discrimination. The research identifies conditions for success, such as self-employment, products for unmet needs, and processes that lower barriers.
A new study identifies 324 owners of globally used reefers, 10 of whom account for nearly a quarter of all transshipment events. The research provides unprecedented transparency into the seafood value chain, allowing for improved governance and oversight of transshipment practices.
Researchers found that adopting popular brand nicknames can be detrimental to a company's performance, as it implies consumer control. This is because brand nicknames are often used by consumers, which can make the brand appear weaker when adopted by marketers.
A recent study by Washington State University researchers found that women are more inclined to purchase wine with labels featuring feminine gender cues. The study's lead author noted that winemakers may want to pay attention to the perceptions of this understudied group, which represents 59% of U.S. wine consumers.
Researchers from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that campaign size, social capital, and reward options are top factors in success. Machine learning identified a sweet spot for campaign duration and reward options, with success plateauing after 50 options.
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that US auto plants producing battery electric vehicles have required a larger workforce than traditional internal combustion engine plants. The study revealed that assembly jobs increased by up to 10 times during the ramp-up stages of transitioning to full-scale EV production, with one p...
A new study by the University of Texas at Austin found that acknowledging employees' efforts, rather than their abilities, boosts overall productivity in companies with remote workers. Praising effort-focused messages, especially those that are personally identifiable, can have a significant impact on employee motivation and performance.
A study by MIT researchers found that EV charging stations increase annual spending at nearby businesses by an average of $1,500 in 2019 and $400 from 2021 to 2023. The impact is particularly pronounced for businesses within 100 yards of charging stations and in low-income areas.
New research from Bayes Business School finds that launching new technologies requires strategic timing to succeed. The study identifies four timing situations that can confront marketing managers, offering a framework to develop a launch strategy leading to success.
The Eat Local WNY initiative, funded by the US Department of Agriculture, aims to create a thriving community through investment in local food, businesses, and people. The project encourages shoppers to purchase at least 10% of their food from local producers, promoting fair wages for farmers, better stewardship of farmlands, and fresh...
The study reveals that segment disclosure and reporting increase the implicit motivation for managers to act in shareholders' interests. Equity-based compensation incentives decrease following the introduction of SFAS 131, with a more pronounced effect in volatile market environments and firms with weak operations monitoring.
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin finds that more frequent financial reporting aids investors in predicting future earnings. Quarterly reports lead to better-correlated returns with long-term future earnings, making it easier for investors to forecast and incorporate them into current stock prices.
A new study from Texas McCombs finds that accumulating 'likes' can lead to fewer clicks for assertive CTA ads, but more clicks for informational ads. The researchers discovered that users respond positively to 'likes' from friends with similar interests, while those with dissimilar interests have a negative effect.
Research reveals that stronger brands benefit from individual salesperson incentives, while weaker brands see increased profitability with group incentives. The study explores the impact of brand strength on sales incentive choices.
A new study by Binghamton University researchers found that virtual team members who receive inspiring responses from others are more likely to be viewed as emergent leaders. To become an effective leader in a virtual setting, it's essential to pay attention to how the audience responds to your message and support others' ideas.
New research from the University of Texas at Austin finds that metro areas with more separate jurisdictions have higher wages and home values. Jurisdictional competition drives municipalities to choose better policies, leading to a 12% higher economic freedom index and more workers in higher-paying industries.
The new ERC EARTH research center will focus on developing sustainable refrigerant technologies and practices to improve quality of life and combat climate change. Lehigh University's team, led by David Vicic, will work on reclamation and repurposing of high-GWP legacy refrigerants.
Research from Binghamton University found that companies perform better when board directors have international experience, as long as they function cohesively as a team. This leads to better decision-making and profitability. However, other factors like sharing knowledge or social capital do not significantly impact firm performance.
A new study found that auditors are more likely to give in to companies' requests for lenient financial reports when they have already been involved in ESG audits. This can lead to inflated numbers and misrepresentation of a company's value to investors and shareholders.
A novel model integrating utility loss aversion explains low demand for cyber-insurance due to optimistic decision-making and reluctance to invest in supplementary strategies. This has broader consequences for corporate risk management, public policy, and systemic cyber risks.
A study of 472 executives found that leadership ambition is linked to self-rated effectiveness, but not third-party evaluations. This implies that society may need alternative approaches to choosing and training leaders.
A study found that energy companies use repeated phone calls, home visits, and 'legalized compulsion' to force homeowners to give up their land for hydraulic fracturing. The researchers reviewed data from Ohio and found that many negotiations end in compulsion rather than consent.
A new study by the University of Oxford recommends expanding climate reporting standards to capture companies' wider impact on global net zero. This includes their product power, purchasing power, and political influence. The goal is to incentivize systemic change through products, purchases, and policy lobbying.
A study published in the Journal of Business and Psychology found that evaluators who feel social pressure to avoid exhibiting prejudice deliver more positive feedback to women, even if it means holding them back from growth opportunities. This 'protective paternalism' can ultimately hinder career advancement.
Toxic pollution is the single largest cause of death and poor health, killing up to 9 million people each year. Business can play a critical role in addressing it and mitigating its effects by embracing innovations like adaptive construction and alternative energy options.
A new study by Bayes Business School found that different atmospheres influence people's behavior and decision-making in strategic settings. The researchers discovered that various moods led to distinct interactions and strategies, with pensive atmospheres causing caution and curious ones fostering exploration.
The Center will develop a For-Virginia AI Strategy, track business AI adoption rate, and offer programs to SMEs to understand and capitalize on emerging AI technologies. The project aims to bolster economic competitiveness of small and medium enterprises across Virginia.
A new study reveals that eco-friendly activewear companies' post-consumer circular economy policies are hindered by geography, making them ineffective for global customers. The research found that many companies have take-back schemes but restrict them to domestic customers or specific locations, limiting their environmental impact.
New research finds that AI explanations can fuel a perception of fairness without being grounded in accuracy or equity. Humans were more likely to override AI recommendations when explanations highlighted gender rather than task-relevance, but this did not improve decision-making accuracy.
Research reveals a notable income disparity among Dalit business owners in India, attributed to social stigma and caste-based discrimination. The study's findings highlight the need for targeted initiatives to address this issue and promote economic equality.
Researchers from Stellenbosch University discovered that using work-related content during golf sessions reduces performance, whereas personal activities have little to no effect. The study suggests a clear distinction between leisure and professional use of smartphones in recreational settings.
A recent study by Washington State University found that entrepreneurs who connected their pitch anxiety to their passion for their venture performed better in funding pitches and were more likely to receive recommendations. This emotional reframing strategy was shown to be effective in leveraging anxiety as a positive energy source, r...
A new study by researchers from the University of Liverpool and Copenhagen Business School explores the trade-offs of blockchain technology for global multinational corporations. They found that cryptocurrencies offer lower transaction fees but carry a stigma, while smart contracts can streamline agreements but lack flexibility.
Researchers found that including corporate earnings growth in state budgets improves accuracy, explaining up to 86% of variation in actual revenue collections. This tool is particularly useful for states with diverse industries, and can help avoid midyear cuts and slashing programs later in the year.
A mathematical model developed by Chris Zobel and colleagues optimizes resource allocation in urban infrastructure while considering social vulnerabilities and projected sea level rise impacts. The approach prioritizes investments that enhance resilience and mitigate socio-economic disparities, enabling informed decision-making that ba...
A new study by University of Essex and University of Chicago economists found that staff working in a hybrid model were less likely to come up with innovative ideas than colleagues who always worked in the office. The quality of ideas also suffered, particularly in teams that didn't coordinate their work schedules.
Researchers discovered that buyers are more likely to choose and pay more for products made with enjoyment, even when sellers charge lower prices. Sellers' production enjoyment signals quality and leads to higher buyer interest.
A novel method implementing investment decision-making of prospect theory utility toward stock markets has been developed and empirically investigated. The new method, cross-sectional prospect theory value (CSPTV), is shown to improve the predictive power of performance persistence in future holding periods compared to existing methods.
A study led by George Mason University's Mehmet Altug explores retail viability in Fairfax City's mixed-use development. The research considers factors like traffic conditions and coordinated marketing with Fairfax County Economic Development programs.
A new study by Kishore Gawande finds that China's nationwide protection of private property rights in 2007 turbocharged its business climate. However, the country is now reversing course, with potential investors pulling back due to weakening property rights. This could lead to lower economic output and tax revenues for local governments.
New research from the University of Nottingham found that mental health training for line managers is strongly associated with better business outcomes, including improved staff recruitment and retention, customer service, and reduced long-term mental health sickness absence. The study suggests that providing such training could save c...
Research by University of East Anglia and University of Texas found that stricter data privacy laws significantly reduced breaches, but negatively affected firms' market value. Companies compliant with GDPR invested more in data protection and were less likely to experience data breaches.
A new study found that narcissistic CEOs can control board discussions on risk-taking by allocating resources and selecting preferred directors, enabling them to take more risks. This insight highlights the importance of understanding CEO behavior in guiding risk-management strategies.
A recent study by KTU and Germany highlights the lack of research on international employee adjustment, particularly for self-initiated expatriates and migrants. The study proposes a future research agenda to address organisational support, individual factors, and demographics influencing adjustment.
Research shows that gamified investing platforms can lead to more frequent trading among novice investors, who are often susceptible to 'fun trading' and make ill-advised strategies. Meanwhile, knowledgeable investors prefer neutral platforms with fewer features.
A new study from the University of Birmingham and Keele University found that people with Long COVID symptoms lasting over 28 weeks are three times more likely to leave employment. The research highlights the significant impact of Long COVID on individuals' employment outcomes, particularly for those who leave work.
A new study from University of Texas at Austin researchers found that poor execution of promotional displays in retail stores can deprive brands of up to 2.3% more sales. The study used IoT technology to track display installations and found that busy managers often view displays as a nuisance, leading to missed sales opportunities.
Women's funding campaigns on Dutch platforms are 20% shorter in duration compared to men's and couples', according to a new study published in PLOS ONE. This suggests that crowdfunding may be a more favorable platform for female entrepreneurs.
New volunteers seek flexibility and opportunity, often showing a weaker sense of affiliation with organizations. Organizations can effectively cultivate these relationships by establishing physical infrastructure, providing training and competence-building activities, and communicating a compelling narrative.
A study found that foreign-born CEOs are 43% more likely to make cross-border acquisitions and have a preference for targets in their birth country. This is driven by local connections and a desire to give back to their home country.
Researchers found that companies in strategic alliances can access more favorable loan rates and terms through the financial networks of their partners. This is because banks with existing relationships with an alliance partner offer lower interest rates to a company entering the alliance.
Researchers found that hospitals that implemented standardized protocols from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association saw significant reductions in stroke treatment times. The protocols, which include specific limits on time between symptom onset and hospital arrival, helped medical teams respond more quickly to ...
A recent study published in the International Review of Financial Analysis suggests that cryptocurrencies are not completely disconnected from economic risks. The research found that during turbulent periods like the COVID-19 pandemic and Ukraine war, cryptocurrency prices experienced increased volatility.
A new study from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management suggests that blocking killer acquisitions may stifle innovation, as startups are driven to create new products or processes to be bought by big companies. Regulators are exploring less extreme options, such as taxing acquisitions or offering subsidies to startups.
During the pandemic, humanitarian organizations showed remarkable flexibility and ingenuity in responding to supply chain disruptions. They sourced supplies from local vendors, secured long-term contracts with reliable suppliers, and leveraged good relationships with governments to continue aid delivery.
Influencers who disable social media comments are perceived as less sincere, less receptive to consumer feedback, and incur professional consequences. This behavior can undermine their ability to connect with followers, even when the displayed comments are mostly negative in nature.
Research from Texas McCombs finds that developers who multihome their software attract more users to the original product, improving its performance and standing out in the market. The study also shows that multihoming can lead to a 5.3% increase in average monthly usage for similar products.