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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.

Why the Largest Minority Group Faces the Most Hate—and How to Push Back

by Pamela Reynolds

A community's biggest minority group endures the most discrimination from a majority who fears losing status, says research by Marco Tabellini and colleagues. Findings from 20 years of crime and demographic data could help policymakers improve race relations.

How Paid Promos Take the Shine Off YouTube Stars (and Tips for Better Influencer Marketing)

by Kara Baskin

Influencers aspire to turn "likes" into dollars through brand sponsorships, but these deals can erode their reputations, says research by Shunyuan Zhang. Marketers should seek out authentic voices on YouTube, not necessarily those with the most followers.

Is Baseball Ready to Compete for the Next Generation of Fans?

by Christina Pazzanese, Harvard Gazette

With its slower pace and limited on-field action, major league baseball trails football in the US, basketball, and European soccer in revenue and popularity. Stephen Greyser discusses the state of "America's pastime."

People Trust Business, But Expect CEOs to Drive Social Change

by Scott Van Voorhis

Companies should do more to confront climate change, labor market shifts, and racism, according to a survey of 14,000 people in 14 countries by the Institute for the Study of Business in Global Society and the Edelman Trust Institute. Is it time for more business leaders to step up?

When Bias Creeps into AI, Managers Can Stop It by Asking the Right Questions

by Rachel Layne

Even when companies actively try to prevent it, bias can sway algorithms and skew decision-making. Ayelet Israeli and Eva Ascarza offer a new approach to make artificial intelligence more accurate.

Why Quiet Quitters Need More Than Money to Re-Engage

by Michael Blanding

A hefty bonus might do little to inspire a truly checked-out employee. It's time for managers to genuinely connect with their colleagues, and build more community and meaning in the workplace, say Rawi Abdelal and Thomas DeLong.

When Design Enables Discrimination: Learning from Anti-Asian Bias on Airbnb

by Pamela Reynolds

Airbnb bookings dropped 12 percent more for hosts with Asian names than other hosts during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, says research by Michael Luca. Could better design deter bias, particularly during times of crisis?

Shrinking the Racial Wealth Gap, One Mortgage at a Time

by Rachel Layne

If banks hire more minority loan officers, more people of color might tap into a crucial means of wealth building: buying a home. Research by Adi Sunderam comes on the heels of a real estate frenzy that has mostly benefited white Americans.

Why a Failed Startup Might Be Good for Your Career After All

by Sean Silverthorne

Go ahead and launch that venture. Even if it fails, the experience you gain will likely earn you a job that's more senior than those of your peers, says research by Paul Gompers.

8 Strategies to Sustain Business Innovation

by Lane Lambert

It's a harsh reality: The majority of new business ventures fail. In the book Productive Tensions, Rory McDonald and his coauthor say the key to survival is figuring out how to pivot during the innovation process.

You Don’t Have to Quit Your Job to Find More Meaning in Life

by Shalene Gupta

Before you give notice and go on a vision quest, consider this: Fulfillment doesn't require big change, says research by Julian De Freitas and colleagues. In fact, you can find more meaning even in a job you don't love.

How Partisan Politics Play Out in American Boardrooms

by Pamela Reynolds

The discord gripping the nation has reached the heights of corporate America, with costly consequences for companies and investors. Research by Elisabeth Kempf shows just how polarized the executive suite has become.

Looking For a Job? Some LinkedIn Connections Matter More Than Others

by Michael Blanding

Debating whether to connect on LinkedIn with that more senior executive you met at that conference? You should, says new research about professional networks by Iavor Bojinov and colleagues. That person just might help you land your next job.

When Experts Play It Too Safe: Innovation Lessons from a NASA Experiment

by Rachel Layne

A study of an international robotics competition reveals how experts prioritize easy-to-execute inventions over moonshot ideas. Are companies missing out on potential breakthroughs? Research by Jacqueline Lane and Karim Lakhani.

Curbing an Unlikely Culprit of Rising Drug Prices: Pharmaceutical Donations

by Ben Rand

Policymakers of every leaning have vowed to rein in prescription drug costs, with little success. But research by Leemore Dafny shows how closing a loophole on drugmaker donations could eliminate one driver of rising expenses.