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Corporate layoff strategies are increasing workplace gender and racial inequality

Research from Tel Aviv University reveals that current downsizing policies are reducing managerial diversity and increasing racial and gender inequalities. The study found that companies using tenure or position as core criteria for downsizing minimized the share of white women in management positions by 25 percent.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMar 27, 2014

Religion is good for business shows Rotman study

A new study from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that businesses with head offices in highly religious communities were less likely to experience stock price crashes due to not disclosing bad financial news. Strong social norms, regardless of whether individuals are religious or not, can help minimize bad ...

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis·DateDec 20, 2013

License to ill

A recent study found that firms with a history of social responsibility are more likely to engage in subsequent social irresponsibility, particularly if CEOs have a strong moral image. For every five positive actions taken, companies receive a 'license to commit' one negative action.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPersonnel Psychology·DateNov 21, 2013

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013 news tips

A new bioabsorbable magnesium stent has shown promising results in reducing the risk of heart attacks for up to three years after implantation. Of 46 patients, only two required vessel-opening procedures and one suffered a heart attack within the first year, with no incidents reported in the second year.

Deciding when 'not' to maximize profits

A new study reveals that corporate bosses selectively intervene in subsidiary decisions to prevent competitive spillovers and maintain a 'go along to get along' cooperative attitude. This approach restricts growth in certain businesses within the corporation, ultimately benefiting rivals at the expense of consumers.

SourceBoston College·JournalAdministrative Science Quarterly·DateOct 23, 2013

Women still less likely to commit corporate fraud

Researchers found women rarely part of corporate conspiracies and tend to play minor roles in fraud schemes. Women's involvement may be motivated by ethical concerns and social relationships, leading to lower financial gains from corporate crime.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateAug 13, 2013

Tweet timing tells bots, people and companies apart

Researchers analyzed over 160,000 tweets from personal accounts, corporate accounts and bot-controlled accounts to develop a method to predict when new tweets would be posted. The study found that individual tweeters were most active in the afternoons and evenings, while corporate-managed accounts tweeted during work hours.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 3, 2013

Labor union decline, not computerization, main cause of rising corporate profits

A new study by Tali Kristal suggests that the decline of labor unions is the main reason for the surge in corporate profits and decline in workers' wages. The study found that industries with high unionization rates saw a large decrease in labor's share of income, while lightly unionized industries experienced little change.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMay 30, 2013

Why the Super Bowl's location matters: Local ties still bind corporations: Study on philanthropy

A new study by the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that corporate philanthropy increases during mega-events like the Super Bowl and decreases during severe natural disasters. This suggests that local communities still matter to corporations, even in a globalized age.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalAdministrative Science Quarterly·DateMay 22, 2013

Mental health and NCDs

Collaborative care models integrate NCD care and mental health services in primary care settings, strengthening healthcare systems and reducing costs. Implementation of these models requires investments in human resources and research to address the global burden of mental health and non-communicable diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 14, 2013

Phosphate-binding drug does not improve heart health of patients with mild kidney disease

A study found that a phosphate-binding drug did not reduce cardiovascular measures in patients with early chronic kidney disease, suggesting dietary restriction may be the best way to mitigate phosphate's negative effects on the heart. Higher blood phosphate levels increase the risk of dying from heart-related causes.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 18, 2013

Corporate accounting earnings data relevant for determining value of the aggregate stock market

A study by Prof. Panos Patatoukas of the University of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business found that aggregate accounting earnings are tied to news about expected future cash flows and discount rates, impacting stock market valuation. The research suggests that capital market participants and policymakers can extract valuabl...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalReview of Accounting Studies·DateApr 5, 2013

Medical patients aren't bargain hunters

A new study by the USC Schaeffer Center and RAND Corporation found that patients with high deductibles pay roughly the same amount as traditionally insured patients for most outpatient services. The study suggests that lack of transparency about medical costs and patient loyalty to primary care physicians hinder price comparison, leadi...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalForum for Health Economics & Policy·DateApr 3, 2013

Women make better decisions than men

A survey of over 600 board directors found that women are more likely to consider the rights of others and take a cooperative approach to decision-making. This results in better performance for their companies, with women-led boards experiencing higher returns on equity and lower rates of bankruptcy.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalInternational Journal of Business Governance and Ethics·DateMar 25, 2013

It all hinges on the bottom line

A new study by Concordia University researchers found that companies with financial restatements are more likely to have poor corporate governance, including high growth rates and less independent oversight. These firms are also more likely to replace top executives and auditors in an attempt to improve their public image.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Corporate Finance·DateMar 22, 2013