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Many people have biased perceptions of EDI leaders

A recent study from the UBC Sauder School of Business found that people's perceptions of EDI leaders are influenced by racial stereotypes. Participants in the study were asked to identify necessary traits for EDI leaders and associate different traits with various racial groups, revealing a strong bias towards non-white individuals bei...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2023

Selling a juicy burger with a mouthwatering photo on Instagram? The effect of induced positive consumption simulations on purchases

Researchers synthesized over 50 studies to find that mental simulations using visuals or verbal calls to action improve behavioral intentions and behavior. However, the effectiveness varies depending on the modality, frequency, type of consumption experience, and target populations.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateAug 15, 2023

Do investors incorporate financial materiality of environmental information in their risk evaluation?

Researchers found that investors evaluate a company's environmental performance based on financial materiality, providing a better perspective for understanding environmental risks. The study analyzed data from 1,766 companies and identified three key findings: varying evaluation criteria, shareholder risk perception, and the importanc...

SourceKyushu University·JournalCorporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management·DateJul 7, 2023

Study shines light on why companies use a variety of dark money strategies

Researchers found that companies use a variety of strategies to hide their political activities, including those below the surface not observable by public, according to McCombs School of Business Associate Professor Tim Werner. The study provides insight into corporate decision-making and can inform policies related to transparency

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAcademy of Management Review·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 5, 2023

Historical Redlining May Be Linked to Current Kidney Failure

A new study finds that long-term disinvestment in health and wealth resources in historically redlined neighborhoods contributes to a disproportionate rate of kidney failure among Black adults. Redlining, the discriminatory federal housing policy from the 1930s, has been associated with current racial inequities in poor health outcomes.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2023

When the media believe that a firm is really green

A study by Anne Jacqueminet and colleagues identifies three favorable patterns for positive media coverage: congruent signalers, balancing signalers, and firms using a combination of less credible signals. Highly credible third-party signals play a complex role in media perception, delivering a single congruent message.

SourceBocconi University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateMay 31, 2023

Internal job candidates have a leg up

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found that internal job candidates are more likely to be promoted, even if they're less qualified than external candidates. The research showed that managers prefer to reward past effort and perceive it as a 'gift' that should be reciprocated.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Accounting Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2023

Psychopathic traits behind the rise and fall of Madoff

A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that Madoff's business dealings, trial, and prison time revealed a high score on psychopathy scales. The research warns companies to identify and prevent corporate psychopaths who can bring down organizations and economies through recklessness and greed.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Market Research·TypeObservational study·DateMay 17, 2023

How government guarantees give banking customers peace of mind and keep banks open

A new study from the University of Missouri found that government guarantees decrease the frequency of 'income smoothing' in financial reports. This practice, where banks delay reporting high income to smooth out volatility, is a form of manipulation that can impact market stability and investor confidence.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Financial Services Research·TypeObservational study·DateMay 16, 2023

Best path to fair living wage for global supply chain workers may take an indirect route new research suggests

A study by the University of Toronto found that intervening at the management practice level can empower workers and significantly raise wages in sustainable ways. H&M Group's initiative, which included workplace dialogue programs and wage management systems, resulted in a 5% average wage increase across 1800 factories in nine countries.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Accounting Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2023

Recent study on how to get people to share a corporate post

A recent study by Sara Valentini and colleagues at Bocconi University found that consistency between online content and the values associated with a brand increases rebroadcasting frequency. Posts containing price promotions also perform well when aligned with the brand's identity, with followers being 109% more likely to share them.

SourceBocconi University·JournalJournal of Interactive Marketing·DateApr 26, 2023

Executives ignore SEC legal requirements to warn investors about inflation risk, new research finds

New research finds that most corporations that face significant inflation risk have failed to disclose it, causing $0.9 trillion to $2.8 trillion in shareholder damages. Companies with high exposure to inflation risk have seen their share prices drop following inflation shocks.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalJournal of Monetary Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 17, 2023

Looking to boost revenue as an online retailer? Charge an upfront membership fee in exchange for unlimited free shipping

Researchers found that membership-based free shipping (MFS) can increase net customer revenue by up to 12.75%, as heavy buyers consolidate their spending after enrollment. Light buyers contribute the highest percentage change in revenue contribution, while heavy buyers may exploit free shipping benefits and lose money for retailers.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateApr 12, 2023

When SEC is challenged, CEOs notice

Research shows that SEC challenges can influence how CEOs and CFOs communicate with investors and analysts in private meetings. A study found that the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement depends on perception of the SEC's ability to enforce regulations.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalContemporary Accounting Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 5, 2023

Acquisitions can nix existing partnerships

A new study found that acquisitions in the biopharmaceutical industry can disrupt trust and knowledge exchange routines between companies, leading to a higher risk of alliance termination. The odds of termination for exposed alliances are 11% greater than for unexposed ones.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalStrategic Management Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2023

11 ways to improve airlines for customers

Research using artificial intelligence analyzed nearly 400,000 customer reviews to identify key themes and customer sentiment towards airlines. The study found that customers commonly complained about lost luggage, uncomfortable seating and flight cancellations, but praised in-flight entertainment, ground staff and business-class servi...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAnnals of Operations Research·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 24, 2023

Tests conducted by giants of industry uncover compromised test conditions and fraudulent data on PCB products in the 1970s

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health reveals that Industrial Bio-Test Laboratories produced fraudulent reports on PCB products, claiming they were not carcinogenic. The researchers also found that test conditions were compromised, leading to the indictment and conviction of employees involved.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 16, 2023

Two out of three corporate frauds go undetected, research finds

A study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that under typical surveillance, about 3% of US companies exhibit financial misrepresentation. However, during a period of heightened scrutiny following the Enron scandal, this rate tripled to 9%, indicating that at least 10% of companies may be involved in fraud.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalReview of Accounting Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 17, 2023

Beating the odds: Research examines how leaders use underdog stories to motivate their teams

A recent study published in the Academy of Management Review explores the impact of underdog narratives on team behavior and motivation. The research suggests that adopting an underdog identity can lead to increased risk-taking and a greater sense of well-being, but also highlights potential drawbacks such as sabotaging competition.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalAcademy of Management Review·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 15, 2023

Algorithms for hiring: Bias in, bias out

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalData Mining and Knowledge Discovery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 2023

Understanding customer participation: the secret to seeking feedback for subscription boxes

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...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateFeb 8, 2023

Don’t complain to these co-workers

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalOrganization Science·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Hospitality sector customer perceptions improve when commercial organisations are seen to be employing the houseless

Employing individuals experiencing houselessness leads to more positive perceptions from customers, resulting in improved feelings towards the company and its responsible actions. This study highlights the potential win-win for all involved, as organisations can improve customer trust while helping those in need.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalInternational Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management·DateJan 31, 2023

A recent study finds that choosing a lucky CEO means bad luck for the hiring company

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.

SourceBocconi University·JournalThe Journal of Law Economics and Organization·DateJan 23, 2023

‘Soft laws’ see more women in the boardroom

Research by Anglia Ruskin University found that soft laws in over 14,000 companies across 99 nations led to a 20% average percentage of women on corporate boards. Quotas increased female directors by 11.7%, but only when sanctions were applied. Firms complied better with realistic targets and sufficient time.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of the Economics of Business·TypeSurvey·DateJan 11, 2023

Predicting 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.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Accounting Review·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2023

Most former SpAds become “shadow lobbyists” when they leave Whitehall, major new analysis shows

A major new analysis of former British special advisers' career paths shows that most transition to corporate lobbying and policy advocacy roles. However, few register with official lobbying registers, and public service careers have declined significantly over the past three decades.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe British Journal of Politics and International Relations·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 2023