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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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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.

Stop Ignoring Bad Behavior: 6 Tips for Better Ethics at Work

by Pamela Reynolds

People routinely overlook wrongdoing, even in situations that cause significant harm. In his book Complicit: How We Enable the Unethical and How to Stop, Max Bazerman shares strategies that help people do the right thing even when those around them aren't.

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?

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.

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.

Have Managers Underestimated the Need for Face-to-Face Contact?

by James Heskett

COVID-19 made remote work and instant delivery mainstays of life for many people, but will the need for community erode these concepts after the pandemic ends? asks James Heskett. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Inclusive Leadership Advice: Get Comfortable With the Uncomfortable

by Francesca Gino

People tend to seek sameness, but they can teach themselves to relish in the differences of the human experience. Francesca Gino offers these three principles from improv to anyone who's trying to lead more inclusively.

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.