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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. Contributing to the breadth and depth of our thought leadership are our Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise and Centers.

Illustration with hand drawn textures depicting pharmacy and medical research concept.

Tackling grand challenges

Professor Mahka Moeen uses historical cases to draw a roadmap for innovation when governments need to solve critical challenges.

News Article and Magnifying Glass

Understanding CSR’s role in international acquisitions

Professor Olga Hawn wanted to know if a CSR track record makes it easier for BRICS companies to make cross-border acquisitions.
Robot And Human Hand with Gears

Shaping the future of work

Technology and our desire for autonomy are forces in the changing world of work.
Smiling businessman balancing coffee cups

Coffee: Cup of ethics

Go ahead and have that extra cup of java– it might just help you act ethically at work. Caffeine could help sleep-deprived workers resist unethical influen...

Being too humble can hurt you

Professor Ovul Sezer's research shows that if you have good news, share it. It’s good for your relationships.

Weather patterns

When you check the weather forecast, you might not realize that sunny skies aren’t good for productivity – or that they promote risk taking by investors.
Products and trademarks for Black Lives Matter

#BlackLivesMatter brings trademark shortcomings into focus

The hashtag has become a potent rallying cry for racial justice online, but U.S. trademark law hasn’t caught up.

Healthcare Worker Administering Shot to Patient

Combining analytical horsepower with willpower to improve the world

PhD student RJ Niewoehner talks about his research, including how its findings might provide valuable knowledge related to COVID-19.
White Mouse Cable Forming A Shopping Cart Symbol On Blue Background

Big-box chains leave money on the table with in-store click-and-collect

Professor Katrijn Gielens’ research gives strategies for meeting shoppers’ needs and driving sales revenues.
Businessman consulting woman coworker

Seeking and finding fairness at work

Professor Elad Sherf explores obstacles to fairness and tactics you can use to overcome them.
Student Illustration Multitasking

Need a creativity boost?

Try multitasking. Research by Shimul Melwani and Chaitali “Tali” Kapadia (PhD ’17) shows it can boost your creativity.
Woman with cart shopping between store shelves

Lidl’s entry pressures grocery stores to cut prices at new levels

Professor Katrijn Gielens analyzed grocery prices at U.S. supermarket chains and found Lidl’s competitive price-cutting effect continues to pressure retailers to drop prices.
Hovering hand places fifth gold star on blue background

Connecting customer satisfaction to financial results

How much is it worth to invest in customer satisfaction? What impact does it really have on your cost of selling?
Man Drawing on Whiteboard in Team Meeting

Catering to others is a trap

Professor Ovul Sezer says the way you approach high-stakes interactions is probably wrong.

Woman Standing By Whiteboard Leads Group Meeting

New boss? There might be a silver lining

A change in leaders can prompt teams to reconsider what they’re doing and let go of unproductive strategies.