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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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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.

Feeling Powerless at Work? Time to Agitate, Innovate, and Orchestrate

by Jay Fitzgerald

Employees lower down the organizational ladder have far more power than they realize. If they worked together, they could effect significant change within their workplaces, says Julie Battilana. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Worried About the Great Resignation? Be a Good Company to Come From

by Sandra J. Sucher and Shalene Gupta

Some employees are just ready to move on. Rather than wave perks and bonuses at them, companies should focus on becoming great places to learn—and eventually leave, say Sandra J. Sucher and Shalene Gupta. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Outrage Spreads Faster on Twitter: Evidence from 44 News Outlets

by Kristen Senz

When it comes to social sharing, doom-and-gloom tweets beat sunshine and rainbows, says research by Amit Goldenberg. Is it time to send in the positivity police? Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Good News for Disgraced Companies: You Can Regain Trust

by Lane Lambert

Companies skilled at building trust focus on four key elements, say Sandra Sucher and Shalene Gupta in their book, The Power of Trust. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

How Tennis, Golf, and White Anxiety Block Racial Integration

by Jay Fitzgerald

White people often take steps to avoid interacting with people of other races, whether it's at home, work, or even on a golf course, says research by Jon Jachimowicz. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Tell Me What to Do: When Bad News Is a Big Relief

by Michael Blanding

Why would anyone hope for the worst? Research by Serena Hagerty and colleague sheds light on just how far people will go to dodge a tough decision. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Why Anger Makes a Wrongly Accused Person Look Guilty

by Michael Blanding

Too often, people rely on biases and hunches to judge complex situations. Research by Leslie John shows how easy it is to make the wrong call. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Information Avoidance and Image Concerns

by Christine L. Exley and Judd B. Kessler

People avoid information that might compel them to behave more generously. While many people avoid information due to concerns about their self-image, there is a substantial role for other reasons, such as inattention and confusion.

Unexpected Exercise Advice for the Super Busy: Ditch the Rigid Routine

by Danielle Kost

Itching to get off the COVID couch? New research by John Beshears bucks conventional wisdom about what it takes to make exercise a habit. Open for comment; 0 Comments.