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Passion at Work Is a Good Thing—But Only If Bosses Know How to Manage It

by Sean Silverthorne

Does showing passion mean doing whatever it takes to get the job done? Employees and managers often disagree, says research by Jon Jachimowicz. He offers four pieces of advice for leaders who yearn for more spirit and intensity at their companies.

After High-Profile Failures, Can Investors Still Trust Credit Ratings?

by Ben Rand

Rating agencies, such as Standard & Poor’s and Moody's, have been criticized for not warning investors of risks that led to major financial catastrophes. But an analysis of thousands of ratings by Anywhere Sikochi and colleagues suggests that agencies have learned from past mistakes.

What Makes Employees Trust (vs. Second-Guess) AI?

by Rachel Layne

While executives are quick to adopt artificial intelligence, front-line employees might be less willing to take orders from an algorithm. Research by the Laboratory for Innovation Science at Harvard sheds light on what it takes for people to get comfortable with machine learning.

Are Companies Actually Greener—or Are They All Talk?

by Rachel Layne

More companies than ever use ESG reports to showcase their social consciousness. But are these disclosures meaningful or just marketing? Research by Ethan Rouen delves into the murky world of voluntary reporting and offers advice for investors.

How to Live Happier in 2023: Diversify Your Social Circle

by Michael Blanding

People need all kinds of relationships to thrive: partners, acquaintances, colleagues, and family. Research by Michael Norton and Alison Wood Brooks offers new reasons to pick up the phone and reconnect with that old friend from home.

The 10 Most Popular Articles of 2022

by Danielle Kost

The most-read stories about Harvard Business School faculty research and ideas point to a year filled with pandemic soul-searching, but also conviction to move forward with business priorities, such as digital transformation.

What Motivates People to Give Generously—and Why We Sometimes Don't

by Jen McFarland Flint, HBS Alumni Bulletin

Some people donate to get that warm-and-fuzzy feeling. Others do it to avoid being asked again. Christine Exley and Julian Zlatev delve into the psychology and economics of charity to explain why people give.

Why Technology Alone Can't Solve AI's Bias Problem

by Michael Blanding

Engineers designed "fair-ranking algorithms" to prevent artificial intelligence from marginalizing certain groups. While these tools help, research by Himabindu Lakkaraju finds that they can't completely override the most stubborn source of bias: people.

The Color of Private Equity: Quantifying the Bias Black Investors Face

by Pamela Reynolds

Prejudice persists in private equity, despite efforts to expand racial diversity in finance. Research by Josh Lerner sizes up the fundraising challenges and performance double standards that Black and Hispanic investors confront while trying to support other ventures—often minority-owned businesses.

Buy-In from Black Patients Suffers When Drug Trials Don’t Include Them

by Scott Van Voorhis

Diversifying clinical trials could build trust in new treatments among Black people and their physicians. Research by Joshua Schwartzstein, Marcella Alsan, and colleagues probes the ripple effects of underrepresentation in testing, and offers a call to action for drugmakers.

Latest Isn’t Always Greatest: Why Product Updates Capture Consumers

by Michael Blanding

Consumers can't pass up a product update—even if there's no improvement. Research by Leslie John, Michael Norton, and Ximena Garcia-Rada illustrates the powerful allure of change. Are we really that naïve?

5 Companies Where Employees Move Up the Ladder Fast

by Pamela Reynolds

IBM, Southwest Airlines, and other companies proactively help workers advance their careers to try to retain them, says research by Joseph Fuller. The findings show just how important an employer can be to future salary and job prospects.

Recruiters: Highlight Your Company’s Diversity, Not Just Perks and Pay

by Sean Silverthorne

Many job seekers want to join inclusive companies that reflect their values. Research by Joseph Pacelli shows how employers can attract more talent by promoting the diversity of their workforce.

Is There a Method to Musk’s Madness on Twitter?

by Christina Pazzanese, Harvard Gazette

Elon Musk's brash management style has upended the social media platform, but was bold action necessary to address serious problems? Andy Wu discusses the tech entrepreneur's takeover of Twitter.

How Much More Would Holiday Shoppers Pay to Wear Something Rare?

by Michael Blanding

Economic worries will make pricing strategy even more critical this holiday season. Research by Chiara Farronato reveals the value that hip consumers see in hard-to-find products. Are companies simply making too many goods?

When Agreeing to Disagree Is a Good Beginning

by Clea Simon, Harvard Gazette

When conflict stems from honest and open listening, disagreement can be a good thing, say Francesca Gino and Julia Minson. But developing those skills requires patience and discipline.

Will ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Push Cash-Strapped Holiday Shoppers Too Far?

by Rachel Layne

More consumers may opt to "buy now, pay later" this holiday season, but what happens if they can't make that last payment? Research by Marco Di Maggio and Emily Williams highlights the risks of these financing services, especially for lower-income shoppers.

Too Nice to Lead? Unpacking the Gender Stereotype That Holds Women Back

by Shalene Gupta

People mistakenly assume that women managers are more generous and fair when it comes to giving money, says research by Christine Exley. Could that misperception prevent companies from shrinking the gender pay gap?

How Centuries of Restrictions on Women Shed Light on Today's Abortion Debate

by Kara Baskin

Going back to pre-industrial times, efforts to limit women's sexuality have had a simple motive: to keep them faithful to their spouses. Research by Anke Becker looks at the deep roots of these restrictions and their economic implications.

A Penny for Your Thoughts? For Big-Picture Ideas, the Right Pay Structure Matters

by Scott Van Voorhis

Employment contracts that try to squeeze more productivity out of workers can thwart innovative thinking, says research from Susanna Gallani. She offers advice to help companies align incentives with expectations.