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How to pay top executives if you want them to be innovative

A recent study by Bocconi University and University of Bath found that high pay dispersion in variable pay is associated with increased innovation, whereas low pay dispersion in fixed pay hinders it. The researchers measured the innovation output of US firms from 1992 to 2006 using patent data and citations received.

SourceBocconi University·JournalBritish Journal of Management·DateFeb 12, 2019

CEOs profit from issuing negative news releases ahead of stock option grant dates

Researchers found that CEOs who release more negative news before their executive stock option grant date see significant gains. The study suggests that CEOs underpaid compared to peers and with discretion are more likely to manipulate the system. To guard against further gaming, additional regulation and governance are recommended.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateFeb 4, 2019

Putting a price on reputation

A study by University of Technology Sydney researchers found that a company's corporate reputation commands a premium of around 9% for its products. Consumers are willing to pay more for products with important features and a good brand reputation, but less so for novel features regardless of reputation.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Marketing Management·DateDec 12, 2018

Why modest goals are so appealing

Research led by INSEAD marketing professors found that people prefer small incremental goals over maintenance goals, even when there is no gap between the starting point and desired state. The brain's negativity bias plays a significant role in this preference, making modest attainment goals more appealing.

SourceINSEAD·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateNov 8, 2018

Research finds troubling disadvantages, including bias, against women in business

New research from Florida State University reveals troubling disadvantages against women in business, including bias and unequal treatment in the stock market. Women CEOs are paid less, have shorter tenures, and their companies experience worse stock performance despite being equally profitable as those run by men.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateSep 2, 2018

Research finds gender-diverse boards are greener

A study by the University of Adelaide found that companies with a balanced mix of men and women on their boards experience significantly fewer environmental lawsuits. This suggests that female directors contribute to reducing corporate environmental litigation, with a saving of up to $3.1 million per lawsuit.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Corporate Finance·DateAug 30, 2018

Computing catalysts

A collaboration between University of Pittsburgh and Lubrizol Corporation has revealed the molecular reaction mechanism of PIB polymer. The team found that a 'superacid' catalyst is required for initiation, which could lead to designing different catalysts and controlling the reaction.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalACS Catalysis·DateAug 23, 2018

The case for not taxing multinationals

A new study by Nicolai Foss and colleagues argues that taxing Multinational Enterprises (MNEs)' profits is inefficient and detrimental to global welfare. The authors propose replacing corporate tax with a hike in taxes on dividends and sales, claiming this would be more effective and harmonize easier.

SourceBocconi University·JournalJournal of International Business Studies·DateMay 22, 2018

Integrative group examines the ethical fit of mindfulness in corporate America

A recent commentary examines the ethical fit of mindfulness practices in corporate America, highlighting potential conflicts between prioritizing shareholder return and mindfulness' philosophical commitment to non-harm and wholesome living. The authors argue that infiltrating corporate culture with mindfulness can raise the ethical bar...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateMay 9, 2018

A football coach's overconfidence has a positive impact on the team's result

Researchers found that a football coach's extreme overconfidence has a positive influence on the team's result. The study analyzed the behavior of coaches in the Russian Football Premier League and concluded that high levels of charisma associated with overconfidence can motivate players, leading to better team performance.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalInternational Journal of Sports Science & Coaching·DateMar 27, 2018

Limited scope of corporate sustainability revealed

A recent study reveals that many companies claim to apply sustainable sourcing practices, but these efforts often have a narrow focus, covering only a small portion of their supply chain. Despite this, companies are more likely to adopt at least one practice when faced with consumer and civil society pressure.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2018

Why digital strategies matter in bond markets

New research by professors Sunil Mithas and Michael Kimbrough at the University of Maryland shows that IT investments also matter to bond markets. Bond investors favor IT investments in industries where automation and richer information flows are key, but view them as riskier in transform industries.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalMIS Quarterly·DateDec 21, 2017

US companies are investing less in science

Large corporations are investing less in science, with publications by company scientists declining across industries since 1980. The value attributed to scientific research has dropped, while technical knowledge remains stable, suggesting a shift towards commercializing existing knowledge.

SourceWiley·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateNov 27, 2017

The perils of business ethics facing the UK's SME jewellery producers comes under scrutiny

A recent study by the University of Huddersfield reveals that UK SME jewellery producers are vulnerable to rogue traders due to their reliance on trust when sourcing materials. The research highlights the need for these businesses to develop policies on sustainability and sourcing to gain a competitive edge in the global marketplace.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·DateOct 20, 2017

How am I feeling? Ask my house

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a more advanced radar-based device that can accurately measure the body's vital signals without attaching cumbersome wires. This technology has great promise for remote health monitoring and could potentially be integrated into household appliances to monitor residents' vitals.

Multinationals operating in tax havens avoid reporting specifics, finds study

A new study finds that US multinationals operating in tax havens often report earnings by broad categories instead of individual countries, making it harder to track profits and identify potential tax avoidance. Larger companies and those in resource-intensive industries are particularly likely to be vague about their reporting.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of International Business Studies·DateSep 25, 2017