Monthly Archives: May 2024

The Therapeutic Power of Expressive Writing: Managing Anger through Emotional Release

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In a study conducted by a research group in Japan, a novel method for managing anger has emerged: writing down one’s reaction to a negative incident on a piece of paper, followed by its disposal, has been found to reduce feelings of anger significantly. Lead researcher Nobuyuki Kawai expressed astonishment at how this simple act effectively eliminated anger. This discovery holds profound significance as it pertains to the management of anger both in personal and professional contexts, offering a potential solution to mitigate the negative repercussions of uncontrolled anger.

The significance of this research is underscored by the fact that many existing anger management techniques lack empirical validation and are often challenging to implement in moments of heightened emotion. The study, published in Scientific Reports, represents the culmination of years of investigation into the relationship between written expression and anger reduction, building upon prior research demonstrating the influence of physical interactions on mood regulation.

For their experiment, Kawai and his graduate student, Yuta Kanaya, engaged participants in writing brief opinions on pressing social issues, only to subject them to harsh criticism from fictitious evaluators—this deliberate provocation aimed to elicit genuine emotional responses from the participants. After receiving negative feedback, participants were prompted to reflect on the emotional triggers elicited by the criticism.

Subsequently, participants were divided into two groups: one instructed to dispose of their written responses, and the other to retain them. The disposal methods varied, from discarding the paper in a trash can to shredding it. The results revealed a marked difference in anger levels between the two groups. Those who disposed of their written responses reported a swift return to baseline anger levels, while those who retained the documents experienced only marginal decreases in anger.

Kawai envisions tangible applications for this research, particularly in high-pressure environments like the workplace. By advocating for individuals to jot down the source of their anger in a manner similar to taking a memo and then immediately disposing of it, this technique presents a feasible strategy for managing anger in real-time scenarios.

Going beyond its practical implications, this discovery may offer insights into the cultural phenomenon of hakidashisara—a traditional Japanese practice involving the symbolic purging of anger. Held annually at the Hiyoshi shrine in Kiyosu, Aichi Prefecture, hakidashisara entails the symbolic smashing of small discs representing sources of rage. The parallels between this cultural tradition and the research findings suggest a shared mechanism for emotional release and relief, underscoring the cultural relevance of this research.

In conclusion, the study conducted by the Japanese research group highlights the therapeutic potential of expressive writing in managing anger. By elucidating the effectiveness of a simple yet powerful technique, this research offers a promising avenue for enhancing emotional well-being and interpersonal dynamics. Moreover, its cultural implications shed light on age-old practices of emotional catharsis, bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and cultural tradition.

More information: Yuta Kanaya et al, Anger is eliminated with the disposal of a paper written because of provocation, Scientific Reports. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57916-z

Journal information: Scientific Reports Provided by Nagoya University

Enhancing Workplace Efficiency and Employee Well-being through Office Environment Optimization

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The influence of office environments on work efficiency and worker health is profound, making creating and maintaining an optimal built environment within office spaces pivotal for driving a company’s economic growth. While past research has delved into the impact of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) on work efficiency and worker health, there needs to be a more simultaneous focus on these aspects and a need for quantification regarding the economic advantages of office environment optimisation.

A unique research endeavour was undertaken by a team of Japanese scholars, who meticulously investigated the intricate relationship between office environmental factors, work efficiency, worker health, and the economic benefits associated with optimising these elements. The study, conducted across 29 office buildings in Tokyo, involved a substantial cohort of 1644 workers. Data on the built environment was collected through worker questionnaires and physical IEQ measurements, ensuring a comprehensive and reliable dataset. The research was led by Professor Shun Kawakubo from the esteemed Faculty of Engineering and Design at Hosei University, Japan, and included esteemed colleagues Shiro Arata and Masaki Sugiuchi from the same institution, among others.

The study’s findings unveiled a myriad of insights. Participants, on average, perceived their work efficiency to hover around 77%, with varying degrees of presenteeism observed among them. The detrimental impact of presenteeism on performance was quantified, revealing an approximate 34% decline in productivity.

The study’s core focus was the examination of how overall office environmental elements influenced perceived work efficiency and presenteeism. A key finding was the correlation between a superior office environment and heightened work efficiency among employees. This translated into A substantial 16.8-point disparity in work efficiency between offices with commendable and subpar environments, resulting in an annual economic benefit of approximately 1,039,000 JPY. This underscores the significant financial dividends of an optimal work environment, making a compelling case for office environment optimisation.

Likewise, a positive association between an enhanced office environment and reduced performance decrement due to presenteeism was observed. Professor Kawakubo remarked, “As the quality of the office environment improves, the magnitude of performance loss attributable to presenteeism diminishes. The discernible contrast in annual economic loss stemming from presenteeism between workers in offices characterised by lower environmental performance and those in high-performance environments amounted to 423,000 JPY.”

Further exploration revealed that high-quality elements such as ‘interior and furnishings,’ ‘overall building sanitation,’ ‘HVAC airflow,’ and ‘meeting spaces’ were linked with augmented perceived work efficiency. These findings provide concrete insights into the elements contributing to a high-quality office environment, offering actionable recommendations for optimisation. Conversely, factors like ‘disaster and emergency preparedness,’ ‘thermal environment,’ ‘lighting conditions,’ and ‘telecommunication networks’ were associated with mitigated economic losses due to presenteeism. Significantly, the estimated financial benefits related to perceived work efficiency surpassed those tied to presenteeism, further highlighting the economic significance of office environment optimisation.

This study posits that offices wield the potential to amplify economic gains, accentuating the global imperative for bolstering worker efficiency and safeguarding employee health by cultivating high-quality office environments. Professor Kawakubo articulated, “In today’s landscape, corporations worldwide are reaffirming the pivotal role of human capital. We firmly believe that widespread recognition of the nexus between investment in the creation of conducive office environments, the preservation and enhancement of employee well-being, and the augmentation of overall company productivity will contribute substantially to the cultivation of a healthier society.”

More information: Shiro Arata et al, Economic benefits of the effects of office environment on perceived work efficiency and presenteeism, Building and Environment. DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2023.110712

Journal information: Building and Environment Provided by Hosei University

Navigating the Aftermath: The Impact of Skill Mismatch on Post-Job Loss Careers

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The emotional toll of job loss can be profound, akin to the upheaval experienced in a divorce. Unlike divorce, where acquired skills often remain relevant, the aftermath of job loss can render previously honed abilities obsolete or diminished. This divergence highlights a critical challenge: the mismatch between an individual’s skill set and the evolving demands of the job market.

Plunging into the depths of this issue, researchers have strived to discern who bears the brunt of this skill mismatch and to what extent. The recent study published in Research Policy illuminates these inquiries. Ljubica Nedelkoska, from the Complexity Science Hub (CSH), underscores the study’s revelations, emphasising that the repercussions of job displacement reverberate far beyond immediate termination, profoundly shaping workers’ earning trajectories over time. These findings are not just informative, but they are a call to action for policymakers and employers to address this pressing issue.

In their quest for understanding, Nedelkoska and her collaborators scrutinised the labour landscape of displaced German workers from 1975 to 2010, encompassing approximately 1.6 million individuals. The findings unveiled a spectrum of earning losses, ranging from 4% to 16.5% a decade post-displacement, relative to their hypothetical earnings had they retained their positions.

Seeking to decipher the roots of this diversity, the researchers embarked on a multifaceted analysis. They amalgamated data on task content, educational background, and training across 263 occupations with the career trajectories of a 2% longitudinal sample of German workers.

Unsurprisingly, the study affirmed certain expectations: workers gravitated towards more challenging roles necessitating new skills during economic upswings, while recessions saw a reverse trend. Additionally, the propensity for job transition towards more demanding roles was more pronounced among younger cohorts than their older counterparts.

However, amidst these anticipated findings, one revelation stood out: the rate of occupation-switching among displaced workers surpassed that of observationally identical non-displaced peers by a staggering factor of 11 to 12. This discovery prompted the researchers to categorise the displaced workforce into distinct cohorts: stayers, upskillers, downskillers, reskillers, and lateral switchers.

Delving deeper, the analysis illuminated the disparate fates of these cohorts. Notably, switchers encountered more substantial displacement-related earnings declines than their steadfast counterparts. Even after 15 years, switchers struggled to earn differentials, with upskilling switchers faring marginally better than their downskilling counterparts.

The findings underscored the pivotal role of skill alignment in determining outcomes. Workers transitioning to roles where their previous skills held little relevance experienced the most severe setbacks. Conversely, those venturing into roles demanding additional skills fared relatively better.

The implications are profound for policymakers and employers alike. Strategies to mitigate skill mismatch, particularly downskilling, are essential and imperative to safeguarding workers’ livelihoods. Continuous retraining initiatives, personalised career counselling, and facilitating geographical mobility are not just interventions but the necessary steps proposed to address this pressing challenge. Their implementation is crucial for the future of our workforce.

This study underscores the imperative of aligning skills with market demands to foster resilience amidst economic upheavals. By heeding these insights, policymakers and employers can chart a course towards a more inclusive and adaptive labour landscape. This landscape will ensure that displaced workers, with their inherent resilience, are equipped to navigate the winds of change with confidence and resilience, thereby contributing to a stronger workforce.

More information: Frank Neffke et al, Skill mismatch and the costs of job displacement, Research Policy. DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2023.104933

Journal information: Research Policy Provided by Complexity Science Hub

When individuals prioritise their phones over their partners, it can have a notable impact on workplace creativity, particularly among women

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Redirecting attention to a mobile phone rather than a partner strains the relationship. It impacts women’s creativity in the workplace, as cautioned by researchers from the Universities of Bath, Aston, and IESE Business School.

Their study illuminates the negative consequences of ‘phubbing’—ignoring someone in favour of one’s phone—known for its adverse effects on relationships and mental well-being. Based on working couples in the US, this research highlights workplace repercussions, particularly for female partners.

Professor Yasin Rofcanin, from the University of Bath’s Future of Work Research Centre, noted, “Phone usage erodes the connection between couples, hindering their ability to address stresses and concerns together.” Supportive interactions at home positively influence partners, enhancing creativity in the workplace. However, this supportive cycle diminishes when individuals immerse themselves in phone usage, missing out on meaningful moments of connection.

Analysing diary entries from 65 full-time, dual-income heterosexual couples with children over 15 working days, the research reveals that phone use disrupts social interaction and mutual support in balancing work and family responsibilities.

Previous studies with similar setups indicate that supportive interactions with co-workers extend to the home environment, benefiting partners and contributing to enhanced workplace creativity. However, this effect appears to be gender-specific, favouring women. Women are adept at translating support into workplace creativity, possibly due to societal expectations to manage home and work responsibilities, prompting them to seek support networks and family-friendly work policies.

The researchers assert that this supportive environment empowers women to be resourceful at work, engaging in proactive measures like ‘job-crafting’, enhancing job satisfaction, seeking new challenges, fostering stronger relationships with colleagues, and adopting a positive perspective on their roles—all contributing to enhanced workplace creativity.

These insights are particularly relevant in the post-pandemic era, where hybrid working arrangements are prevalent. As organisations adapt to this new landscape, understanding the impact of home dynamics on employee productivity and well-being is crucial.

The researchers anticipate that these findings will inform employer strategies regarding technology use outside working hours and underscore the significance of policies supporting work-family balance, such as flexible working schedules.

Dr Siqi Wang from Aston Business School emphasised the importance of fostering a supportive work-family environment through collaboration between HR managers and employees’ first-line supervisors. Employer initiatives like work-family supervisor training programmes focusing on communication and limiting technology use, especially for work-related purposes, can significantly benefit employees and organisations.

More information: Siqi Wang et al, The more you connect, the less you connect: An examination of the role of phubbing at home and job crafting in the crossover and spillover effects of work–family spousal support on employee creativity, Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology. DOI: 10.1111/joop.12503

Journal information: Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology Provided by University of Bath

Navigating the Terrain: The Impact of Branded Access Offers on Parent Brand Perception

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In a landscape where the ownership model is gradually yielding ground to short-term rental and sharing options, the rise of branded access offers presents a compelling alternative across various consumer sectors, from automobiles to high-end fashion. Your role, as marketing professionals, brand managers, and researchers in the field of consumer behavior and brand management, is crucial in understanding the intricate repercussions these offerings can have on the parent brands that deploy them. Recent research spearheaded by Tiffany Barnett White, a Professor of Business Administration at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, sheds light on this.

The allure of branded access lies in its appeal to consumers seeking flexibility and affordability without the burden of long-term ownership. Yet, as White and her co-author Aaron J. Barnes from the University of Louisville elucidate, such initiatives may not resonate well with consumers deeply invested in a particular brand’s ethos and identity. These individuals, identified as high group-brand connectors, exhibit a pronounced aversion towards branded access offers, viewing them as a departure from the brand’s core values and a dilution of exclusivity.

The genesis of this phenomenon can be traced to the emergence of disruptive players like Zipcar and Rent the Runway, which have prompted established brands like H&M, Peloton, and BMW to introduce their iterations of branded access offers. While these initiatives are designed to attract new cohorts of consumers, they inadvertently engender a sense of betrayal among existing loyalists, who perceive the influx of transient users as a threat to the brand’s integrity.

White and Barnes’ research, encompassing four distinct studies spanning fashion, sports, and fitness domains, underscores the adverse impact of branded access offers on brand image, particularly among fervent brand advocates. Referred to as the “accessor effect,” this phenomenon encapsulates the disillusionment and disenchantment experienced by loyal consumers when confronted with the perceived transience and lack of commitment associated with access-oriented models.

The issue lies in the discrepancy between the brand’s values and the consumption behaviour facilitated by branded access offers. For consumers who derive a sense of identity and belonging from their affiliation with a brand, transient access undermines the communal bonds and shared experiences underpinning their allegiance. Consequently, these individuals quickly penalise the parent company for diluting the brand’s essence in pursuit of fleeting market opportunities.

The ramifications of the accessor effect extend beyond mere consumer sentiment, permeating the broader narrative of brand loyalty and market positioning. White aptly articulates that the dichotomy between brand adherents and latecomers manifests across diverse consumer landscapes, from sports fandom to lifestyle preferences. Introducing branded access offers disrupts the delicate equilibrium between inclusivity and exclusivity, leaving brand custodians grappling with the challenge of appeasing both camps.

The underlying motivation driving brands to embrace access-oriented models stems from a desire to remain competitive in an era dominated by sharing economy startups. However, as White cautions, this pursuit of profitability should not come at the expense of brand integrity. Striking a delicate balance between innovation and brand preservation is paramount. This responsibility falls on the shoulders of marketing professionals, brand managers, and researchers like you, who are at the forefront of understanding and managing these dynamics.

To mitigate the accessor effect and assuage the concerns of loyal consumers, White and Barnes advocate for strategic interventions. These interventions, such as extending the rental period for accessors, have the potential to blur the signal of brand dilution. This not only signals a greater commitment to the brand but also fosters a sense of continuity beyond transient transactions. By elongating the rental duration, brands can convey a message of enduring loyalty and affinity, thereby mitigating the erosion of brand image precipitated by access-oriented models. This inspires the possibility of maintaining brand loyalty even in the face of disruptive market forces.

In essence, the problem posed by branded access offers epitomises the evolving dynamics of consumer-brand relationships in an era characterised by shifting consumption patterns and disruptive market forces. As brands navigate this terrain fraught with challenges and opportunities, the imperative lies in preserving the essence of their identity while embracing innovation that resonates with existing loyalists and prospective consumers. By adopting a nuanced approach to branded access offers, brands can forge a path towards sustainable growth and enduring brand loyalty in an ever-evolving marketplace.

More information: Aaron J. Barnes et al, The accessor effect: How (and for whom) renters’ lack of perceived brand commitment dilutes brand image, Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science. DOI: 10.1007/s11747-024-01006-z

Journal information: Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science Provided by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

When consumers opt for a chatbot instead of a human

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The research conducted by The Ohio State University addresses a significant aspect of consumer behaviour in online shopping: the preference for chatbots over human interaction, particularly in situations where consumers experience embarrassment or self-presentation concerns. According to the study by Jianna Jin, consumers often favour engaging with chatbots when purchasing potentially embarrassing products, such as antidiarrheal medication or skincare items. This preference stems from a desire to mitigate embarrassment, as chatbots are perceived as less judgmental than human customer service agents. This research topic is highly relevant in the context of the growing influence of technology on consumer interactions.

The study’s findings, published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology, highlight the significance of how chatbots are perceived by consumers during online interactions. Participants in the research demonstrated a higher propensity to interact with chatbots when purchasing embarrassing products, suggesting that the anonymity and lack of human judgment associated with chatbots alleviate feelings of embarrassment.

Moreover, the study delves into the importance of the appearance and behaviour of chatbots in influencing consumer preferences. Chatbots that exhibited more human-like characteristics, such as emotional language or cartoon avatars resembling humans, were met with scepticism by participants. This suggests that while consumers may prefer the anonymity of chatbots, they are also cautious of instances where chatbots appear too human-like, potentially triggering concerns about authenticity and trustworthiness.

Jin’s research underscores the need for companies to consider the role of chatbots in customer interactions, particularly in scenarios where consumers have self-presentation concerns. As chatbot technology advances, challenges may arise in distinguishing between chatbots and human agents, posing implications for businesses regarding transparency and consumer trust.

With its consumer-centric approach, this study offers valuable insights into consumer behaviour in the realm of online shopping and customer service. By understanding the nuanced preferences and concerns of consumers regarding chatbot interactions, companies can adapt their strategies to better cater to consumer needs while maintaining transparency and trust in their operations. This emphasis on consumer needs and preferences ensures that businesses are aligning their strategies with the evolving consumer landscape.

More information: Jianna Jin et al, Avoiding embarrassment online: Response to and inferences about chatbots when purchases activate self-presentation concerns, Journal of Consumer Psychology. DOI: 10.1002/jcpy.1414

Journal information: Journal of Consumer Psychology Provided by The Ohio State University

The shifting dynamics of the market cultivate consumer neglect, potentially resulting in purchases fraught with risk

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Researchers have formulated a novel theory concerning the influence of evolving market conditions on the propensity of numerous otherwise prudent consumers to purchase risky products, such as subprime mortgages, cryptocurrency, or even cosmetic surgery procedures.

These alterations can manifest within product categories initially perceived as low-risk upon market introduction. As demand escalates, more enterprises may enter the market, offering lower-priced product variants carrying heightened risk. Suppose the adverse repercussions of such risk remain imperceptible initially. In that case, the market can progress to keep consumers uninformed of the risks, as highlighted by Michelle Barnhart, an associate professor at Oregon State University’s College of Business and co-author of a recent paper.

“It’s not solely the consumer’s responsibility. It’s not solely the producer’s responsibility. It’s not solely the regulator’s responsibility. All these elements together contribute to this quandary,” remarked Barnhart. “Understanding the development of such a scenario could aid consumers, regulators, and even producers in making more informed decisions when confronted with analogous circumstances in the future.”

The researchers’ revelations were recently documented in the Journal of Consumer Research. Lena Pellandini-Simanyi, from the University of Lugano in Switzerland, is the lead author of the paper.

Barnhart, whose expertise lies in consumer culture and market systems, has delved into credit and debit systems in the U.S. Pellandini-Simanyi, a sociologist focusing on consumer markets, has scrutinised personal finance within European contexts. Together, they scrutinised the Hungarian mortgage crisis to discern how risk-averse individuals gravitate towards high-risk products or services.

To gain insight into the consumer psyche, the researchers conducted 47 interviews with Hungarian borrowers who opted for low-risk mortgages in the local or higher-risk foreign currency as the Hungarian mortgage landscape evolved from 2001 to 2010. Additionally, they conducted a broader survey of mortgage borrowers, interviewed 37 finance and mortgage industry experts and financial regulators, and analysed regulatory documents and parliamentary proceedings.

Their investigation unearthed patterns contributing to the escalation of mortgage risk over time, alongside societal and market shifts fostering collective ignorance among consumers regarding escalating risks. Furthermore, they pinpointed attributes conducive to these patterns. Markets sharing these characteristics are likely to undergo analogous developments.

“Typically, upon the introduction of a new product, people exhibit a degree of scepticism. Early adopters scrutinise the product meticulously, educating themselves extensively to ascertain the level of risk,” explained Pellandini-Simanyi. “If they perceive the risk to be excessive, they refrain from purchasing.”

However, suppose the initial adopters successfully use the new product or service. In that case, subsequent consumers are inclined to assume similar outcomes without conducting thorough evaluations, even amidst a reduction in product quality, noted the researchers.

“Subsequently, a downward spiral ensues, with quality diminishing in the rush to meet consumer demand and maintain profits, while consumers increasingly rely on social cues indicating the product’s safety without scrutinising changes in risks,” observed Barnhart.

“This trend can also engender a ‘prudence paradox,’ wherein the most risk-averse individuals delay market entry until the final stages, culminating in the purchase of highly risky products. Their cautious approach results in delayed entry, but by then, they are left with inferior products.”

Typically, this cycle is only disrupted through intervention via market collapse or regulatory measures. For instance, although cosmetic surgery is generally safe, the proliferation of inexpensive procedures at facilities lacking adequate equipment and expertise led to a surge in botched procedures until regulations were enforced.

“These findings underscore the influence of social cues,” remarked Barnhart. “In such an environment, it becomes exceedingly challenging for individual consumers to evaluate and assess risks, as such actions deviate significantly from the norm.”

Pellandini-Simanyi suggested that consumers should meticulously compare their personal risk against that of others with genuinely comparable experiences to shield themselves against collective ignorance.

“Ensure that this entails an apples-to-apples comparison of products and consumers’ circumstances,” she advised.

More information: Léna Pellandini-Simányi et al, The Market Dynamics of Collective Ignorance and Spiraling Risk, Journal of Consumer Research. DOI: 10.1093/jcr/ucae018

Journal information: Journal of Consumer Research Provided by Oregon State University

Digital multi-sided platforms revolutionize conventional value chains in business-to-business service sales

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The proliferation of digital platforms is increasingly evident in business-to-business (B2B) interactions. These platforms serve as dynamic hubs, facilitating competitiveness enhancement and transactions in the buying and selling processes. Moreover, they present diverse avenues for nurturing enduring customer relationships within B2B service sales frameworks. Recent research underscores the transformative impact of digital platforms, ushering in a departure from conventional linear value chains towards the establishment of platform-centric, multi-faceted digital value networks.

Minna Heikinheimo, a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Eastern Finland, underscores the pivotal role of platform owners in orchestrating these networks. She highlights the imperative for platform owners to attract a critical mass of strategically aligned service providers and customers to initiate value creation across multiple stakeholders. The efficacy of this orchestration lies in the platform owner’s ability to forge cohesive sales strategies in collaboration with crucial network participants. This strategic realignment from traditional value chains to platform-driven value orchestration underscores the centrality of platform owners in shaping sales dynamics within these networks.

Research conducted jointly by the University of Eastern Finland and Tampere University of Applied Sciences delves into the nuances of this transition, shedding light on how platform owners navigate the evolution from conventional value chains to value networks. Central to this evolution is the strategic alignment of sales processes with platform resources, enabling owners to manage expansive networks with minimal staffing resources efficiently. Furthermore, adopting diverse interaction methods facilitates meaningful engagement with network actors, fostering robust relationships across the value network.

Historically, scholarly inquiry into platform dynamics has predominantly focused on consumer-centric platforms, leaving a significant void in understanding B2B platform dynamics. This knowledge gap underscores the significance of the recent study, which addresses this disparity and provides a comprehensive model elucidating the transformation of the value chain into a value network within B2B service sales contexts. Moreover, the study offers pragmatic insights to inform the strategic planning of platform-based sales initiatives, bridging the divide between academic research and practical application.

Published in Industrial Marketing Management, a prestigious scholarly publication in marketing and management, this study adopts a qualitative longitudinal approach spanning four years. By meticulously examining the experiences of platform owners and their clientele across four service companies, the research synthesizes insights gleaned from 45 in-depth interviews. This rigorous methodology provides a solid foundation for understanding the intricate dynamics underpinning the transition from traditional value chains to platform-driven value networks, thereby enhancing the credibility of the research findings.

The emergence of digital platforms ushers in a paradigm shift in B2B service sales, propelling the transition from linear value chains to dynamic value networks. As platform owners take on a central role in orchestrating these networks, their ability to devise cohesive sales strategies and leverage platform resources becomes a crucial factor for success. By effectively bridging the gap between theoretical insights and practical applications, this research not only advances scholarly understanding but also equips practitioners with actionable recommendations to navigate the evolving landscape of platform-based sales, thereby enhancing the value of this article to its readers.

More information: Minna Heikinheimo et al, B2B service sales on a digital multi-sided platform: Transformation from value chains to value networks, Industrial Marketing Management. DOI: 10.1016/j.indmarman.2023.11.006

Journal information: Industrial Marketing Management Provided by University of Eastern Finland

Events such as pandemics or financial crashes have the potential to impede advancements in gender diversity within boardrooms

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The study unveiled a concerning pattern: significant external upheavals like the 2008 Global Financial Crisis (GFC) instigated a notable decline in the representation of women in boardroom positions. This decrease wasn’t confined to particular board roles or industries; instead, it affected companies across the spectrum of financial performance. Moreover, the research indicates that even strong leadership from female CEOs or pre-existing institutional endeavours aimed at fostering gender diversity, such as quotas, proved ineffective in mitigating this decline during periods of crisis.

Sorin Krammer, Professor of Strategy and International Business and the corresponding author of the study from the University of Surrey, articulated: “Our findings underscore the vulnerability of the progress achieved towards gender diversity on boards when businesses encounter significant crises. Companies often pivot towards short-term survival, sidelining diversity initiatives during such times.

While female leadership plays a pivotal role in advancing gender equality, our results indicate that female CEOs, despite the challenges, continue to strive and make significant contributions to safeguard diversity efforts amidst extreme turbulence. Similarly, established initiatives like gender quotas or corporate governance codes lack the resilience to counteract the adverse impacts of major disruptions on gender diversity within top management teams.

The research urgently advocates for companies to formulate enduring diversity strategies resilient to unforeseen major challenges. Researchers propose that policymakers concentrate on fortifying institutional frameworks to foster and enforce gender diversity on boards. Further investigation is warranted to ascertain whether specific conditions or factors could alleviate the negative repercussions of crises on gender diversity.

Professor Krammer remarked, “These findings underscore the necessity for companies to devise long-term diversity strategies capable of withstanding unforeseen challenges. Additionally, policymakers must ensure that existing institutional frameworks are adaptable to withstand such external shocks and continue to drive progress towards gender diversity on boards even in the aftermath of major disruptions.”

More information: Shibashish Mukherjee et al, When the going gets tough: Board gender diversity in the wake of a major crisis, The Leadership Quarterly. DOI: 10.1016/j.leaqua.2024.101784

Journal information: The Leadership Quarterly Provided by University Of Surrey

Coaching Boosts Employee Innovation

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In the modern business landscape, inclusion transcends mere rhetoric; it is a strategic necessity. Giants like IBM, Volkswagen, and Starbucks are pivoting towards participatory approaches in strategy development, recognising diversity’s pivotal role in nurturing innovative ideas. However, the outcomes often need to be revised. A recent study in the Strategic Management Journal delves into this disparity.

Violetta Splitter, David Seidl, and Richard Whittington examine an inclusive strategy process in a major insurance company and unveil inclusion’s transformative power. Forty mid and lower-level managers engaged in a 20-week strategy development initiative to enhance investor confidence and employee backing. The result? A notable three-percentage-point surge in the company’s share price equates to an $18 billion uptick in market capitalisation.

However, the path was not without its challenges. Despite initial support from senior management, the early weeks were marked by frustration. Employees found it difficult to articulate ideas that would resonate with the CEO and top executives. The root of the problem was their lack of familiarity with corporate strategy-level communication. They often repeated familiar themes or raised local issues that were not aligned with strategic objectives.

However, a transformation occurred over weeks. Employees refined their ability to communicate ideas effectively through direct interactions with the CEO or by observing peers. Notably, the most fruitful exchanges involved CEO-led coaching, where employees received guidance on idea formulation, theme integration, and coherence.

This research underscores the significance of inclusive strategies that place employee development and managerial coaching at the forefront. The authors stress, “The findings underscore the crucial role of senior managers in actively coaching and fostering avenues for employee learning.” By cultivating a culture of inclusive discourse, organisations can tap into a wealth of untapped potential for innovative strategic ideas.

More information: Violetta Splitter et al, Getting heard? How employees learn to gain senior management attention in inclusive strategy processes, Strategic Management Journal. DOI: 10.1002/smj.3602

Journal information: Strategic Management Journal Provided by Strategic Management Society

Initiatives focused on disabilities that are driven by employers can lead to benefits for both individuals and companies

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Successful employer-driven disability initiatives exhibit specific characteristics consistent across various companies and programs despite their differences in other aspects. Recent research published in the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation indicates that companies with leadership teams dedicated to fostering inclusion for individuals with disabilities and guided by intrinsic values deeply ingrained in their organisational ethos witnessed enhanced performance, favourable employee perceptions, and the development of a unified corporate culture. The effectiveness and visibility of disability-inclusive actions and policies played a pivotal role in shaping their outcomes, underscoring the importance of leadership commitment and effective strategies in disability initiatives.

Although disability is prevalent in society, its representation in the US labour market is notably lower. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Department of Labor, the participation rate of individuals with disabilities in the workforce in 2023 is approximately half that of those without disabilities.

Lead investigator Brian N. Phillips, PhD, CRC, from the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling at Utah State University, stated, “Initiatives led by employers aimed at addressing disabilities can indeed yield positive outcomes for both company performance and organisational climate. Our research identified the driving forces and effective strategies that contributed to successful results: enhanced business and financial performance, improved employee morale, and strengthened unity within the company. These exemplary practices should serve as a guiding light for other organisations to actively embrace disability as a valuable component of workplace diversity.”

The research findings suggest that employers stand to gain significantly by recognising individuals with disabilities as a valuable and vastly underutilised workforce segment. Drawing insights from case studies conducted across seven companies of varying sizes and industries, the study aimed to deepen understanding of employer-driven disability initiatives, their underlying motivations, and their impact on company productivity and overall success. The most notable achievements were observed in companies that demonstrated the most significant commitment to implementing their initiatives decisively.

Timothy N. Tansey, PhD, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a co-investigator on the study, remarked, “It is remarkable to recognise the extent to which workplace inclusion can serve as a competitive advantage. However, it’s essential to highlight that companies adopting a disability initiative on a more tentative basis or with a degree of scepticism tended to yield less favourable outcomes. Many employers emphasise diversity but overlook the importance of providing adequate support for individuals with disabilities.”

Paul Wehman, PhD, from Virginia Commonwealth University, also the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, noted, “Existing literature suggested a correlation between employer disability initiatives and company performance, with leadership commitment playing a significant role. However, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that these initiatives had a positive impact not only on employees with disabilities but also on their non-disabled counterparts. Many employees we spoke with expressed a newfound sense of pride in the company and a greater sense of camaraderie with their colleagues.”

Dr Phillips emphasised that all the companies in the study shared a typical value of prioritising their employees, acknowledging that employees are not merely assets to the company but that the company also exists to support and empower its employees through measures such as flexibility, training, opportunities for advancement, and fair compensation.

More information: Phillips, Brian N. et al, Effect of company-driven disability diversity initiatives: A multi-case study across industries, Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation. DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230061

Journal information: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation Provided by IOS Press