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AI could undermine managers' judgement unless used carefully, University of Bath-led study warns

A new study from the University of Bath warns that over-reliance on generative AI may weaken managers' ability to build moral insights, contextual understanding, and practical know-how. The research suggests that AI can strengthen managerial judgement when used as a tool for reflection, rather than a replacement for thinking.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalAcademy of Management Review·TypeObservational study·DateSep 4, 2026

Why purpose doesn't always pay: the career cost of workplace climate activism

Employees advocating for climate action are more likely to receive recognition when their efforts support business goals, while purpose-led activism often goes unrecognized. Researchers found that organizations tend to reward environmental initiatives when they contribute to commercial objectives, such as attracting clients, expanding ...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalHuman Relations·TypeCase study·DateSep 3, 2026

Thwarting hidden resume hacks targeting AI hiring tools

A recent study from Duke University and industry collaborators found that at least 1% of resumes submitted to a popular hiring platform contained hidden instructions designed to trick the AI system. The trend is accelerating quickly, with the rate increasing sevenfold between July 2024 and November 2025.

SourceDuke University·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 22, 2026

What explains gender pay gaps in academia?

A new study found that faculty women in academia earn 23% less than men, narrowing to 4.3% when accounting for field and academic rank. The research suggests that transparency alone is not enough to eliminate pay gaps, and representation does not guarantee equal pay.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 2026

Training hands-on dads

A new study from the University of Tokyo finds that a one-off training session increased time spent by fathers on childcare and housework, freeing up mothers to use for their own work. The training corrected common misconceptions about paternity leave and led to significant behavioral change.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeSurvey·DateJun 18, 2026

Profit alone is a poor measure of success, study shows companies can look efficient while harming the planet

A new study from the University of Surrey shows that firms celebrated for strong financial performance may actually be inefficient when environmental impact is included. The research developed a new way to measure sustainable corporate efficiency, combining traditional financial metrics with environmental data.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalEuropean Journal of Operational Research·TypeObservational study·DateMay 5, 2026

In study, real-time feedback on metrics of collaborative processes failed to boost performance, collective intelligence

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that real-time feedback on collaboration metrics does not improve team performance and can even make it worse. By narrowing the feedback to a single metric, teams focused too much on that signal and neglected coordination strategy, leading to decreased overall performance.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalCollective Intelligence·DateApr 30, 2026

Elite MBAs still influence who reaches the top of corporate America, University of Bath study shows

A study by the University of Bath found that elite MBA graduates hold top management positions and CEOs more frequently than those with non-elite MBAs or no MBA. The benefits of an elite MBA were not evenly spread between men, women, and minorities, and varied according to economic conditions.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalAcademy of Management Learning and Education·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 16, 2026

Skills are replacing age-based labor supply as the engine of economies

A new study by IIASA researchers reveals that China's economic growth is being driven by the skills of its workforce, not just its large working-age population. Improvements in skill composition have become a key driver of economic expansion, and a more favorable age structure enhances economic returns to workforce skills.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2026

If you’re a perfectionist at work, your boss’ expectations may matter more than your own, research finds

A new study from University of Florida finds that employee perfectionism impact depends on alignment with supervisor's expectations and clarity in understanding. When employees' standards match supervisors', they experience less uncertainty, better performance, and higher job satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·TypeSurvey·DateApr 8, 2026

Women are being shut out of workplaces because of a hidden time gap, new research shows

A new study by University of East London researchers reveals that women are being shut out of workplaces due to a hidden time gap caused by unpaid care and rigid social expectations. This 'time squeeze' leaves women with less time for networking, training, and progression, hindering their career advancement.

SourceUniversity of East London·JournalInternational Journal of Management Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 31, 2026

Talking about politics at work may support employee well-being

New research suggests that discussing politicized news with coworkers can help employees manage stress and improve well-being. However, most people only discuss these events when they expect a supportive response. The findings highlight the importance of recognizing how social and political events shape employee emotions at work.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAcademy of Management Discoveries·TypeSurvey·DateMar 24, 2026

Negative emotions at work aren’t always harmful—empathetic leaders make the difference

Research by David Lebel and colleagues found that only half of the relationships between negative emotions and workplace outcomes were harmful during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, many showed no effect or even positive effects, highlighting the importance of empathetic leadership in moderating these outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 23, 2026

The hidden cost of ‘bullshit’ corporate speak

A new study by Cornell University researcher Shane Littrell finds that employees who are more susceptible to corporate BS have lower scores on analytic thinking, cognitive reflection, and fluid intelligence. This can lead to less effective workplace decision-making and lower performance.

SourceCornell University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2026

Could British companies be sued in the UK for human rights abuses committed overseas?

A new study from the University of Surrey suggests that powerful companies risk legal responsibility for labor abuse, child labor, and environmental pollution linked to their global operations. Courts in the UK and abroad are treating corporate human rights responsibility as a legal duty rather than a voluntary promise.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalMultinational Business Review·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 24, 2026

Tourists are fuelling exploitative working conditions by demanding cheap holidays warns new research

A new study from the University of Surrey and Strathclyde University finds that customers' obsession with cheap travel is linked to low wages and harmful working environments for service staff. The research highlights evidence of widespread harassment of service workers, particularly among airlines and hospitality companies.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Services Marketing·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 24, 2026

AI is already writing almost one-third of new software code

A new study reveals that around one-third of all newly written software functions in the United States are already being created with AI support, with productivity gains mainly driven by experienced developers. The study found wide regional gaps, with the US leading at 29% AI-assisted code, while China and Russia lag behind.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 22, 2026

Hospitality sector edges closer to delivering on diversity promise

A new study by Flinders University researcher Ashokkumar Manoharan finds that despite widespread acceptance of DEI regulations, applicants may still encounter barriers to securing roles due to automated processes on job sites. The research highlights the importance of transparency and adequate resources in meaningful DEI initiatives.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2025