Research Briefs

Researchers looked at the group performance and attitudes of leaders who articulate an appealing vision, provide intellectual stimulation by challenging assumptions or soliciting followers’ ideas, act as a mentor or coach, or listen to followers’ concerns. Findings show this type of leadership may improve employee performance.

This study examined the extent to which wages impacted levels of employee theft in convenience store chains. Findings suggest that competitive compensation packages can help to deter theft of property and cash in retail stores by attracting more experienced workers and fostering an ethical culture among co-workers.

Researchers analyzed the role of corporate social responsibility in determining the financial terms of bank loans to corporations. They found that firms with higher quality CSR and few CSR concerns will have an advantage in the lending market.

In this study researchers looked at how the capabilities and attributes of team members affect the success of a new venture. They found that team members’ skills, knowledge and background were important but a flexible approach to goals and plans increased the likelihood a venture would succeed.

Researchers examined the impact that adoption of environmental-related standards has on employee well-being, job involvement, and effort. The findings show that employees of firms adhering to global environmental standards held more positive attitudes about their jobs than employees of environmentally lagging firms.

Managers who are able to create diverse teams and promote networking are more likely to create an environment that fosters creativity and innovation.

Researchers examined the link between transparency, liquidity, cost of capital and firm valuation at firms across 46 countries. Their results indicate that transparent companies achieve higher liquidity and lower transaction costs making the company more attractive to investors.

Researchers in this study looked at the relationship between corporate social performance and financial performance to determine which comes first. They found that while corporate social performance generally depends on prior financial performance, environmental concerns and social strengths of a firm can impact financial performance and risk.

This study looked at how perceptions of cause-related marketing initiatives influence consumers’ beliefs, attitudes, and intentions. Researchers found that consumers’ perceptions of a firm’s motivations and how well a cause fits with a brand are extremely important to consumers’ opinions of a firm.

In a study of 84 companies deemed to be desirable employers, researchers found that those also rated as socially responsible experienced lower turnover and reduced the financial impact of turnover.

Social actions of companies are often more influenced by local consensus than economic factors related to the business. Joining ranks with other firms allows companies to legitimize their role in the community and can boost philanthropic support. A recent article in the Academy of Management Review examines the key motivators of corporate social action at the community level.

This study examines whether environmental management systems (EMS) and related managerial activities to reduce negative environmental impacts have a positive influence on innovation by firms. It finds that the learning process that takes place during an EMS implementation may yield opportunities for market differentiation and cost-savings related to innovative approaches to environmental sustainability.