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New research on social psychology from Harvard Business School faculty on issues including behavioral economics research, habit formation, and the effects of group loyalty.
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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.

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 Parents Tell Kids to ‘Work Hard,’ Do They Send the Wrong Message?

by Michael Blanding

It takes more than grit to succeed in a world rife with systemic inequity. So why don't we tell children that? Research by Ashley Whillans and colleagues shows how honest talk about social barriers could empower kids to break them down.

Why People Crave Feedback—and Why We’re Afraid to Give It

by Michael Blanding

How am I doing? Research by Francesca Gino and colleagues shows just how badly employees want to know. Is it time for managers to get over their discomfort and get the conversation going at work?

Burgers with Bugs? What Happens When Restaurants Ignore Online Reviews

by Kara Baskin

Negative Yelp reviews hold more sway with consumers than restaurateurs might think. A machine learning study by Chiara Farronato reveals how online platforms amplify the customer voice, and why business owners should listen.

When the Rubber Meets the Road, Most Commuters Text and Email While Driving

by Jay Fitzgerald

Laws and grim warnings have done little to deter distracted driving. Commuters routinely use their time behind the wheel to catch up on emails, says research by Raffaella Sadun, Thomaz Teodorovicz, and colleagues. What will it take to make roads safer?

All Those Zoom Meetings May Boost Connection and Curb Loneliness

by Michael Blanding

Zoom fatigue became a thing during the height of the pandemic, but research by Amit Goldenberg shows how virtual interactions can provide a salve for isolation. What does this mean for remote and hybrid workplaces?

Four Elements for Finding the Right Career Path

by Dina Gerdeman

Facing a major decision? Before you start ruminating about facts and figures, consider tapping into your "full self." In his book The Four Elements: Finding Right Livelihood in the 21st Century, Timothy Butler offers a framework for navigating life transitions.

Blissful Thinking: When It Comes to Finding Happiness, 'Your Dreams Are Liars'

by Dan Morrell

Happiness research is all the rage. Arthur Brooks shares how understanding the origins of joy can improve the way we lead organizations—and our personal lives.

Can You Buy Creativity in the Gig Economy?

by Pamela Reynolds

It's possible, but creators need more of a stake. A study by Feng Zhu of 10,000 novels in the Chinese e-book market reveals how tying pay to performance can lead to new ideas.

More Proof That Money Can Buy Happiness (or a Life with Less Stress)

by Michael Blanding

It's not about the bigger home or the better vacation. Financial stability helps people escape the everyday hassles of life, says research by Jon Jachimowicz. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

3 Steps to Help Companies Rebuild Trust During the Pandemic

by Sandra J. Sucher and Shalene Gupta

Many workers feel battered and distrustful after almost two years of COVID-19 instability. But it's not too late for managers—even those who made damaging missteps—to repair these relationships, say Sandra Sucher and Shalene Gupta. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Feeling Seen: What to Say When Your Employees Are Not OK

by Pamela Reynolds

Pandemic life continues to take its toll. Managers who let down their guard and acknowledge their employees' emotions can ease distress and build trust, says research by Julian Zlatev and colleagues. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

How Japan’s Recruit Holdings Regained Trust after a Scandal

Re: Sandra J. Sucher

Recruit Holdings, an advertising media, staffing, and business support conglomerate was founded in Japan in 1960 by Hiromasa Ezoe. The company was built on the principle that the company should add value to society. But in 1988, Recruit hit rough waters when Ezoe sold 2.8 million shares in a subsidiary before it went public to 76 Japanese leaders in politics, business, and media. The "Recruit Scandal," as it was called, resulted in the resignation of Japan’s prime minister and his entire cabinet. Thirty years later, Recruit has become a global conglomerate, with $16 billion in sales in 2017. How did the company not only survive, but thrive after its insider trading scandal? Harvard Business School professor Sandra Sucher examines how Recruit’s unique corporate culture helped to restore lost trust in her case, “Globalizing Japan’s Dream Machine: Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd.," and her book, The Power of Trust. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

How Bonuses Get Employees to Choose Work Over Family

by Rachel Kim Raczka

Working late again? Research by Ashley Whillans and colleagues shows how incentive pay encourages workers to think of downtime as wasted time. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

How Do We Make Sure the Right People End Up with Power in Organizations?

by James Heskett

A new book argues that companies need to reward humility and empathy—antidotes to the hubris and self-focus of excess power. But is that easier said than done? asks James Heskett. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Managers, Your Employees Don’t Want to Be Facebook ‘Friends’

by Rachel Kim Raczka

Want your colleagues to see your Vegas vacation photos? Research by Lakshmi Ramarajan and colleagues offers reasons to think twice about connecting with people you manage on social media. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Readers Ask: How Can I Gain Power and Influence?

by Kristen Senz

Who has the real power in an organization? Julie Battilana says it comes down to two questions. She discusses power and more on Working Knowledge’s “Office Hours” series. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Don't Bring Me Down: Probing Why People Tune Out Bad News

by Kristen Senz

People often go out of their way to avoid unpleasant information, but not always for the reasons you might expect. Research by Christine Exley and colleagues. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Can We Train for Trust?

by James Heskett

A culture of trust can improve employee—and company—performance. But can leaders be trained to foster trust among those they lead? asks James Heskett. Open for comment; 0 Comments.