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Research With Relevance

Research

Research is key to how we make good on our promise to prepare students and executives for tomorrow’s business world. Our professors examine critical issues influencing 21st century business – you benefit from their insights in the classroom and the boardroom.

A cartoon of four business professionals standing around a computer monitor displaying charts and a rocket launching.

When is the right time to launch a startup?

Founders’ work experience increases the chances for startup success, new research shows.
Delivery driver on a scooter to deliver food.

Uber eats itself

Research by Professor Christine Choi on Uber’s launch of Uber Eats shows the hidden costs of platform diversification and the implications for businesses that rely on third-party service providers.
A blurred large crowd at an airport.

Now boarding: Better ways to count airport crowds

Professor Adam Mersereau shows how a combination of smart sensors and algorithms can crack the passenger tracking challenge.
Illustration of two abstract human figures communicating.

Analysts notice when leaders say the future is … um, ah, bright

New research by UNC Kenan-Flagler finds that executives’ vocal hesitation and uncertainty leads to greater disagreement among analysts' forecasts.
A smiling young woman in a white blouse shakes hands with a man in a suit across a desk.

Boosting work performance with job security

New research suggests that permanent roles make workers—especially women—more productive by tapping into their intrinsic motivation rather than external incentives.
A smiling young nurse makes a video call on a tablet, gesturing with her hand while sitting at a desk.

Solving a shortage with virtual nurses

Researchers at UNC Kenan-Flagler explore if virtual nurses could provide a solution to a major healthcare problem.
Close up of a prescription bottle with white tablets falling out on top of a group of hundred dollar bills.

How disclosure laws really impact drug prices

Ginger Scanlon (PhD ’25) researches the effectiveness of disclosure regulation in reducing drug costs for patients and health plans.

Uncertainty: Why it’s not always bad news for financial markets

Challenging conventional wisdom, Professor Gill Segal shows uncertainty can be an engine for progress.
leniency head in sand marie mitchell

The limits of leniency

How leaders respond to employee misconduct matters.

Sustainable branding labels stock

Labeling for good

Professor Annie Williams’ research shows sustainability labels improves consumer awareness and fosters a positive influence on socially responsible fashion consumption.
The concept of biased views judged by appearances.

Through the looking glass

Professor Christopher Petsko examines why people stereotype each other and suggests potential approaches for avoiding bias caused by negative stereotypes
Women leaders collage

The true grit of female leaders

Professor Jan-Benedict Steenkamp’s new book explores the too-often overlooked determination and strength of history’s most inspiring women.

Eric Ghysels

The impact of quantum computing

Eric Ghysels said the new technology is a “paradigm shift” that will impact financial decision-making and internet security.
Gestresste Frau im Büro - Burnout, Überstunden, Personalmangel

Ashamed to take a break

UNC Kenan-Flagler researchers show that employees feeling bad that they took breaks can lead to unethical, costly behavior.
Ric Colacito

A slow burn

Ric Colacito’s research suggests that, in the worst-case scenario, rising temperatures could reduce U.S. economic growth by up to one-third over the next century.