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New Findings Suggest Hairdressers Could Contribute to Climate Action

Hairdressers across the United Kingdom are emerging as influential yet often overlooked voices in the effort to address climate change. New research conducted by academics from the University of Bath’s Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST), alongside researchers from Cardiff, Oxford, and Southampton universities, highlights how everyday interactions inside hair salons can play a meaningful role in shaping public attitudes toward sustainability. The study suggests that hairdressers occupy a unique position within communities because of the personal relationships they build with clients over long periods of time. These trusted relationships create opportunities for conversations that go beyond haircare, allowing discussions about climate issues and sustainable living to arise during routine appointments naturally.

The research, published in Humanities & Social Sciences Communications, describes salons as social environments where trust, comfort, and conversation intersect. Clients often spend extended periods in the chair, chatting with stylists about daily life, personal experiences, and broader social issues. This relaxed atmosphere provides an ideal setting for introducing ideas related to climate awareness and environmentally responsible habits. According to the researchers, such informal discussions can make sustainability feel less abstract and more relevant to everyday life. Rather than being approached as a distant global problem, climate action can become part of ordinary conversation within spaces that people already feel comfortable visiting.

One of the study’s key findings is that hairdressers already influence many aspects of their clients’ routines and decision-making. Because they regularly interact with the same individuals over months or even years, stylists often develop relationships built on familiarity and trust. Researchers found that these conversations frequently begin with topics related to haircare products or salon practices. Still, they often expand to broader subjects such as reducing plastic waste, reconsidering food choices, conserving energy at home, and exploring more sustainable lifestyles. Dr Sam Hampton from CAST noted that these long-term relationships make salons particularly effective places for introducing climate-related ideas, since clients feel relaxed and open to discussing new perspectives.

To better understand how these conversations work in practice, the research team carried out detailed interviews with 30 salon owners and directors across the country. They also conducted a nationwide intervention involving 25 environmentally focused salons. In these salons, researchers introduced small prompts known as “Mirror Talkers” – messages placed on mirrors that offered simple eco-friendly tips related to haircare. The prompts were designed to spark conversations between stylists and clients about sustainability, encouraging discussions about habits such as water use, product choices, and energy consumption. By integrating these prompts into the natural environment of the salon, the study aimed to see whether small conversational nudges could influence behaviour.

The results suggested that the approach was surprisingly effective. Nearly three-quarters of salon clients reported that they were likely to change aspects of their haircare routine after encountering the Mirror Talkers and discussing them with their stylist. Some participants said they planned to use less shampoo, reduce the temperature of the water they used for washing their hair, or switch to more environmentally responsible products. Professor Denise Baden from the University of Southampton explained that many people assume sustainability is primarily about recyclable packaging. Yet, the environmental impact of shampoo largely comes from the hot water used during washing. Simple suggestions such as shampooing less frequently or lowering water temperature reduce energy use while also benefiting hair and skin health.

Researchers describe hairdressers as “everyday influencers” – individuals who may not have large public platforms but who hold genuine influence through consistent, trusted interactions. Unlike celebrities or social media personalities, these professionals engage directly with people in their communities and often form relationships that span decades. With more than 61,000 hair and beauty businesses operating across the UK and contributing billions to the economy, the researchers argue that salons represent valuable spaces for climate engagement. They recommend introducing sustainability training into hairdressing education, expanding tools such as Mirror Talkers nationwide, and recognising salons as community hubs where conversations about climate action can grow naturally through everyday human connection.

More information: Briony Latter et al, Public engagement and climate change: exploring the role of hairdressers as everyday influencers, Humanities and Social Sciences Communications. DOI: 10.1057/s41599-026-06781-4

Journal information: Humanities and Social Sciences Communications Provided by University of Bath

How Adopting a ‘Growth Mindset’ Strengthens Entrepreneurial Adaptability

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A recent study highlights the significant role that a growth mindset plays in helping entrepreneurs cope with business challenges. The research suggests that founders who believe their approach to managing business resources can evolve tend to respond more constructively to setbacks. In particular, entrepreneurs who view their habits around saving or spending resources as adaptable are more likely to remain resilient when their ventures encounter difficulties. Rather than seeing frugality as a fixed trait, these individuals recognise it as a behaviour that can be developed and refined, which appears to strengthen their ability to deal with adversity.

According to Jeff Pollack, the study’s corresponding author, entrepreneurs frequently encounter obstacles, yet relatively little is known about what shapes their responses to those experiences. Some individuals assume that frugality is simply part of a person’s personality and therefore unlikely to change. Others take a different view, believing that people can gradually become more disciplined and resource-conscious over time. Pollack and his colleagues were interested in examining whether these differing beliefs influence how entrepreneurs emotionally and mentally process setbacks connected to their ventures.

The researchers focused particularly on how attitudes about frugality might affect three important aspects of response: negative emotional reactions, optimism about future success, and the strategies entrepreneurs use to cope with challenges. Pollack, who serves as the Lynn T. Clark II Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Poole College of Management at North Carolina State University, explained that the goal was to understand whether a flexible mindset regarding resource management could shape the way founders interpret and recover from difficult moments in business.

To investigate this question, the research team surveyed 709 entrepreneurs through an online study. Participants were first defined as frugal and then asked several questions designed to measure their underlying beliefs about whether frugal behaviour can change over time. After establishing these baseline attitudes, participants were asked to recall a specific moment when their venture experienced a setback. They then answered a series of questions examining how they reacted to that situation, including their emotional responses, their expectations for future outcomes, and the coping strategies they employed.

The results revealed a strong link between a growth-oriented mindset and greater adaptability when facing entrepreneurial challenges. Individuals who believed that frugality could be learned or improved tended to remain more hopeful about their prospects after encountering difficulties. They were also less likely to become discouraged and were more inclined to invest effort into identifying solutions and exploring new approaches. In contrast, those who viewed frugality as an unchangeable trait were more likely to feel stuck or overwhelmed when confronted with setbacks. Co-author Jon Carr, the Jenkins Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship at North Carolina State University, noted that this growth mindset appeared to encourage positive adjustments rather than prolonged frustration.

To strengthen the reliability of their findings, the researchers conducted a second study involving an additional 281 participants. The results of this follow-up investigation closely mirrored those of the first, reinforcing the connection between growth-oriented beliefs and entrepreneurial resilience. Pollack emphasised that everyone encounters setbacks at some point, especially in the uncertain world of entrepreneurship. However, the research suggests that the way individuals interpret their own abilities can shape how effectively they recover. Importantly, mindsets are not fixed; they can be influenced and developed. Carr added that this insight offers a practical takeaway for entrepreneurs and organisations that support them: cultivating a mindset focused on growth and improvement can make a meaningful difference in how challenges are handled and overcome.

More information: Jeff Pollack et al, A stronger growth mindset of frugality predicts entrepreneurs’ responses to setbacks in resourcefulness behavior, Journal of Business Venturing Insights. DOI: 10.1016/j.jbvi.2026.e00599

Journal information: Journal of Business Venturing Insights Provided by North Carolina State University

Partner or Problem? Rethinking the Consequences of IMF Reforms

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Loans from the International Monetary Fund are often designed to help developing countries stabilise their economies and address financial crises. However, such assistance typically comes with conditions. Governments that receive IMF support are usually required to implement economic reforms intended to strengthen market competition and encourage private-sector growth. These reforms frequently involve reducing the role of the public sector and restructuring state-run services. According to David Cingranelli, Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Binghamton University, the prevailing assumption has long been that countries must accept a difficult transition away from state-led economic models toward more market-oriented systems in order to receive IMF assistance.

Cingranelli recently co-authored a study examining whether IMF programmes align national economic policies with what citizens actually want. The research, published in Socio-Economic Review, was conducted with Rod Abouharb of University College London and Bernhard Reinsberg of the University of Glasgow. Their work investigates whether IMF-supported reforms truly conflict with public opinion or whether, in some cases, they may actually reflect citizens’ economic preferences. The question revisits long-standing debates about whether IMF programmes primarily benefit international financial stability or impose policies that ordinary people in borrowing countries oppose.

In practice, IMF-backed reforms can require governments to eliminate or reduce programmes such as public employment schemes, food subsidies, or other welfare measures designed to support poorer populations. Policies may also involve privatising services like water systems or utilities, changes that often generate public controversy. The IMF, which consists of 191 member countries and is funded largely by wealthier democracies in Europe and North America, provides financial assistance, policy guidance, and technical expertise with the goal of promoting economic growth and stability. Countries apply for IMF loans during periods of fiscal stress, with the expectation that economic restructuring will help restore stability and encourage private-sector development.

Cingranelli has long studied the impact of IMF lending. In 2007, he and Abouharb published Human Rights and Structural Adjustment, which argued that IMF and World Bank programmes often harmed vulnerable populations. Their earlier work suggested that forcing governments to adopt unpopular economic policies could undermine democracy and fuel political instability. In that analysis, the IMF was portrayed as a “Bad Samaritan,” encouraging reforms that made life harder for ordinary citizens. However, the researchers later observed a puzzling pattern: countries receiving IMF structural adjustment loans were more likely to be procedurally democratic, meaning they protected basic rights such as voting, free speech, and press freedom.

This observation prompted Cingranelli to revisit the issue nearly two decades later with a more detailed empirical analysis. The new research shows that public attitudes toward IMF-style reforms vary depending on political systems. In many democracies, citizens tend to prefer stronger protections from market forces than those promoted by IMF programmes, which helps explain protests against reforms in countries such as Greece and Kenya. In contrast, surveys suggest that people living under authoritarian governments—including countries like Venezuela and Zimbabwe—often desire greater economic freedom than their governments permit. In these cases, IMF programmes can actually move policy closer to public preferences.

The researchers found that when autocratic governments maintain tight control over economic activity, citizens may welcome reforms that expand private enterprise and market opportunities. Historical examples include several Eastern European countries that emerged from Soviet influence and strongly supported economic liberalisation. In such contexts, IMF lending can function as a “Good Samaritan,” helping push governments toward policies that citizens favour. Yet the overall picture remains complicated. IMF-driven reforms do not necessarily lead to greater democracy, even though democracies are more likely to receive IMF loans. As debates continue over the role of global institutions in development, the study highlights the importance of examining how economic reforms interact with both political systems and public preferences.

More information: Rod Abouharb et al, The role of IMF programs in aligning national economic policy with domestic preferences, Socio-Economic Review. DOI: 10.1093/ser/mwaf093

Journal information: Socio-Economic Review Provided by Binghamton University

Low-grade AI content undermines creators and consumers, but quality AI could improve things

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Many people spend time scrolling through platforms such as YouTube, Reddit, or TikTok looking for interesting videos, posts, or creative work. However, it is becoming harder to find high-quality content because these platforms are increasingly filled with material generated by artificial intelligence. A large amount of this content is low in quality, repetitive, or produced with very little effort. When users have to sift through so much weak content to find something worthwhile, it can make the experience frustrating. At the same time, professional creators such as artists, writers, filmmakers, and musicians may struggle to make their work visible among the overwhelming volume of AI-generated posts.

A recent study explored how this rapid increase in AI-generated content is affecting online creative markets. The researchers explain that new generative AI tools allow people with little experience to produce content quickly. This makes it easier for beginners to enter creative spaces that previously required skill, time, and training. While this increased accessibility can be positive in some ways, it also leads to a flood of mediocre material. Some critics refer to this type of content as “AI slop” because it is produced quickly and often lacks originality or depth.

When large amounts of this low-quality content appear on social media platforms, it creates a problem for both audiences and creators. Consumers may become overwhelmed by the number of posts appearing in their feeds. Recommendation systems, which are designed to help people discover content they might enjoy, can also struggle when there is too much material to sort through. As a result, users may have difficulty finding the best work available, even if it exists somewhere on the platform.

One of the researchers involved in the study, Tianxin Zou from the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business, explained that the huge quantity of AI-generated material can clog recommendation systems. When algorithms have to process so much content, it becomes harder for them to highlight the highest-quality work. This means that well-made videos, articles, or artworks may not reach the audiences who would appreciate them. At the same time, users may encounter many low-effort posts before discovering something genuinely interesting.

The researchers used economic modelling to understand how AI affects creative marketplaces as the quality of AI tools improves. Their analysis suggests that the current stage of generative AI may be particularly difficult for both consumers and professionals. When AI tools produce content that is average or slightly below average, they increase the total amount of material online without necessarily improving its quality. This situation harms users, who must search harder to find good content, and professionals, whose work becomes harder to notice.

One possible solution suggested by the study is clearer labelling of AI-generated content. If platforms clearly mark posts created with AI tools, users could decide more easily what they want to watch or read. Some people prefer content made by human creators, while others may be open to AI-assisted work. Transparent labels also help professional creators stand out, allowing audiences to recognise their work more quickly.

Despite the current challenges, the researchers believe the situation could improve as generative AI technology continues to develop. As these tools become more advanced, they may help creators produce higher-quality work rather than simply generating large amounts of mediocre material. In the future, professional artists and writers might use AI as a supportive tool in their creative process. By combining human expertise with AI assistance, they can create work that is even more polished and innovative. At the same time, creators will need to pay attention to how audiences respond to AI-assisted content and adapt their methods accordingly.

More information: Tianxin Zou et al, Welfare Implications of Democratization in Content Creation: Generative AI and Beyond, Journal of Marketing Research. DOI: 10.1177/00222437261423540

Journal information: Journal of Marketing Research Provided by University of Florida

Higher Levels of Populist Rhetoric Are Linked to Greater Tax Avoidance Among Entrepreneurs

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A recent study suggests that when populist rhetoric intensifies within a country, entrepreneurs become less likely to register their businesses formally. Instead, many opt to operate informally, which allows them to avoid taxes and bypass government regulations. This behaviour reflects a broader relationship between political discourse and economic decision-making, indicating that shifts in the political environment may shape how individuals approach starting new ventures.

“Populist rhetoric refers to political language that emphasises the ‘will of the people’ while criticising a supposedly ‘corrupt elite,’” explains Tim Michaelis, co-author of the study and an assistant professor of psychology at North Carolina State University. According to Michaelis, this style of political messaging can weaken trust in institutions and established systems, increasing uncertainty in the broader environment. Previous research has shown that when institutional uncertainty rises, entrepreneurs are more likely to pursue “informal venture entry”, meaning they start a business but choose not to register it with government authorities.

The researchers wanted to examine this relationship in greater depth. Specifically, they aimed to determine whether the connection between populist rhetoric and informal business formation appears across both wealthier economies and those that are developing or emerging. The team was also interested in understanding whether social and cultural influences might affect these decisions. This led them to examine the concept of cultural tightness and how it might interact with political rhetoric.

Cultural tightness refers to the degree to which societies enforce social norms and discourage behaviour that deviates from them. In cultures considered “tight”, behavioural expectations are clearly defined, and violations of those expectations tend to be punished more strongly. In contrast, “looser” cultures allow a wider range of behaviours and show greater tolerance for deviation from established norms. Researchers have found that people living in tighter cultures are generally more inclined to follow rules and conform to shared expectations.

Michaelis notes that cultural tightness tends to remain relatively stable over time rather than fluctuating rapidly. However, the research team suspected that strong cultural tightness might amplify the effects of populist rhetoric. When national leaders promote messages that challenge or criticise established institutions, individuals in tightly structured cultures may become even more uncertain about whether those institutions can be trusted or relied upon.

To investigate these questions, the researchers analysed data from 10,474 entrepreneurial ventures across 13 countries spanning lower-, middle-, and high-income economies. The study drew on several major datasets, including measures of populist rhetoric from the Global Populism Database and firm-level information from the World Bank Enterprise Survey. The countries in the sample included three in Latin America, eight in Europe and Central Asia, and two in South and East Asia.

Using statistical modelling, the researchers examined which factors influenced entrepreneurs’ decisions to operate informally rather than registering their ventures. The results revealed a clear pattern: stronger populist rhetoric was associated with a higher likelihood that entrepreneurs would start businesses without formal registration. In the study, populist rhetoric was measured on a scale from 0 to 2. A one-point increase on that scale corresponded with a 76 per cent increase in the probability that entrepreneurs would choose informal venture entry.

For example, the researchers observed that an increase of one point in populist rhetoric coincided with a rise in unregistered new businesses from roughly 5 per cent to about 8.6 per cent. Cultural tightness further amplified this effect. In countries with higher levels of cultural tightness, the share of new ventures operating without registration could increase to around 11.5 per cent. Given that millions of businesses may be created annually within a single country, even relatively small percentage changes can translate into a large number of firms remaining outside formal regulatory systems.

The findings suggest that uncertainty plays a central role in these decisions. Entrepreneurs often seek predictable and reliable environments when launching new ventures. When political rhetoric undermines confidence in government institutions or financial systems, individuals may become more cautious about engaging with formal regulatory structures. While operating informally can provide short-term flexibility, it can also create long-term limitations, such as difficulties expanding domestically or entering international markets. The study ultimately highlights the complex relationship between political rhetoric, cultural context, and entrepreneurial behaviour in an era of increasing political polarisation.

More information: Paul Sanchez-Ruiz et al, Populism, cultural tightness, and informal venture entry, Journal of Business Venturing. DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusvent.2026.106587

Journal information: Journal of Business Venturing Provided by North Carolina State University

Broad Wage Ranges in Job Postings Associated with Fewer Applications from Women

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Research from Cornell University indicates that laws requiring employers to disclose pay ranges in job postings—policies introduced to promote pay equity—may have unintended consequences for women in the labour market. While these transparency rules are designed to reduce wage disparities by giving applicants clearer information about compensation, the research suggests they may sometimes discourage women from applying for positions with very broad salary ranges. As a result, the policies intended to close gender pay gaps could inadvertently contribute to maintaining differences in participation and earnings if the information is presented in certain ways. The findings highlight the complexity of workplace reforms and suggest that how salary information is communicated can influence job-seeking behaviour.

Alice Lee, an assistant professor of organisational behaviour, led the research. Lee explained that across several studies, the research team consistently observed gender differences in how applicants interpret salary range information. Women, on average, showed a stronger preference for positions that advertised narrower pay ranges, whereas men were generally more comfortable applying for roles with broader salary spans. This difference was also connected to negotiation behaviour. Applicants who preferred narrower ranges tended to negotiate less assertively over compensation, meaning they were less likely to request higher salaries or push for larger adjustments during hiring discussions. According to Lee, this pattern suggests that the structure of salary disclosures may shape not only application choices but also later compensation outcomes.

The study, titled “The Implications of Pay Range Transparency on Job Application Preferences and Negotiations,” was published in the Journal of Applied Psychology. By 2025, fifteen U.S. states and Washington, D.C. had enacted laws requiring employers to include salary ranges in job advertisements, and many organisations in other regions have adopted similar practices voluntarily. The goal of these laws is to provide workers with clearer expectations and reduce inequities associated with gender and race. However, the legislation typically does not specify how wide or narrow the disclosed pay ranges should be. As a result, employers may publish ranges that span very large differences in potential earnings, which can affect how applicants interpret their chances of receiving higher salaries.

The research also found that the width of salary ranges influenced how applicants approached negotiations after deciding to pursue a position. Individuals who applied to roles with narrower salary bands were more likely to accept offers near the middle of the range and reported greater satisfaction with those offers. At the same time, they were less inclined to negotiate for higher pay, and when they did negotiate, the increases they requested tended to be smaller. Lee noted that this behaviour is important because starting salaries often influence future compensation. Pay raises, bonuses, and career opportunities are frequently tied to an employee’s initial salary, meaning that a lower starting point can affect earnings and professional advancement over many years.

To investigate these dynamics, the researchers conducted four complementary studies combining large datasets and controlled experiments. In the first study, the team analysed an archival dataset containing nearly ten million job postings across the United States. This allowed them to examine how common different pay-range widths are and how those ranges correlate with female representation in certain roles. A second study involved upper-level undergraduate students preparing to enter the labour market, enabling the researchers to observe whether gender differences in salary-range preferences appeared among prospective job seekers. Additional studies included experiments with actual job seekers making real application decisions based on advertisements that presented different salary disclosures.

One particularly important finding emerged when job advertisements included extra context about compensation. When employers explained typical starting salaries or described how final pay offers were determined, the gender differences in application behaviour largely disappeared. Women were no longer significantly more likely than men to avoid positions with broader pay ranges, and the gap in negotiation behaviour also diminished. Lee concluded that pay transparency laws remain a meaningful step towards fairer workplaces, but the results suggest that transparency alone may not be sufficient. The way employers frame and explain pay information—rather than simply listing a numerical range—can strongly influence how applicants interpret opportunities and decide whether to pursue them.

More information: Alice Lee et al, The implications of pay range transparency on job application preferences and negotiations, Journal of Applied Psychology. DOI: 10.1037/apl0001360

Journal information: Journal of Applied Psychology Provided by Cornell University

The Cost of ‘Bullshit’ Corporate Language in the Workplace

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Employees who are impressed by vague corporate language such as “synergistic leadership” or “growth-hacking paradigms” may find it harder to make practical decisions at work, according to a new study from Cornell University. The research suggests that people who respond positively to this kind of buzzword-heavy communication are often less skilled at analysing problems and thinking critically about workplace situations.

The study, published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, was led by cognitive psychologist Shane Littrell. He created a tool called the Corporate Bullshit Receptivity Scale, designed to measure how easily people are impressed by language that sounds sophisticated but contains little real meaning. The scale helps researchers identify how strongly individuals react to empty corporate rhetoric that appears intelligent but lacks substance.

According to Littrell, corporate “bullshit” refers to a style of communication that relies on abstract buzzwords and confusing phrases. Unlike technical terminology, which can sometimes help professionals discuss complex work more clearly, this kind of language often does the opposite. It can make statements sound impressive while hiding the fact that they communicate very little. The result is speech that creates the appearance of expertise without actually explaining anything useful.

Although misleading language can appear in many situations, workplaces can sometimes encourage it. In environments where corporate jargon is common, employees may use complicated buzzwords to appear knowledgeable or ambitious. Because this language can make people seem confident and authoritative, it may help them gain influence or move ahead in an organisation even when the message itself is vague.

To test how people respond to this type of communication, Littrell built a computer programme that generated meaningless but impressive-sounding corporate phrases. More than 1,000 office workers were asked to judge how “business savvy” these statements sounded, alongside real quotes from corporate leaders. The results showed a clear pattern: participants who rated the empty statements highly tended to perform worse on tests measuring analytic thinking, reasoning ability, and practical decision-making.

The findings suggest a troubling cycle within some organisations. Employees who are more impressed by corporate buzzwords are also more likely to view jargon-using leaders as charismatic or visionary. This can allow ineffective leadership styles to gain support, while clear and practical communication becomes less valued. Littrell suggests that workers should pause when encountering messages full of buzzwords and ask a simple question: What is actually being said? If the language sounds impressive but lacks clear meaning, it may be a warning sign that rhetoric is replacing real substance.

More information: Shane Littrell, The Corporate Bullshit Receptivity Scale: Development, validation, and associations with workplace outcomes, Personality and Individual Differences. DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2026.113699

Journal information: Personality and Individual Differences Provided by Cornell University

Women More Likely to Support Female Winemakers Through Wine Choices

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Promoting women’s ownership and leadership in wineries has clear commercial potential, particularly among the largest segment of wine buyers in the United States: women themselves. Research shows that signalling female authorship in winemaking can positively influence purchasing behaviour, suggesting that visibility is not merely a matter of representation but a tangible driver of sales. For an industry long shaped by tradition and male dominance, these findings point to a practical and relatively low-cost way to better align marketing with consumer values.

One of the most striking results is the impact of explicit messaging. Simple phrases such as “proudly made by a woman winemaker” significantly increased women’s intention to purchase a wine, especially when paired with label designs that included traditionally feminine visual cues like floral imagery. These cues did more than attract attention; they also increased perceived value. Women indicated a willingness to pay higher prices for wines that combined female-authorship messages with feminine artwork, demonstrating that gender-linked branding can affect both demand and pricing power.

The results carry particular weight because women account for the majority of wine purchases in the United States, making nearly six out of every ten buying decisions. Wine is widely regarded as a cultural product, where the story behind the bottle contributes meaningfully to brand identity. In that context, the winemaker’s background, values, and personal narrative can shape consumer perceptions just as strongly as grape variety or region. Yet this aspect of identity has often been underutilised by women in the field.

Despite the apparent benefits, women winemakers have historically been less inclined than men to highlight their names or gender on labels. This hesitation is often rooted in concern about bias within a traditionally male-dominated industry, where visibility might invite scepticism rather than support. The research challenges this assumption, suggesting instead that transparency about women’s ownership or leadership can be a strategic advantage rather than a liability, particularly when targeting female consumers.

Building on earlier work about gender cues in wine branding, the study involved more than 1,000 women across the United States and unfolded in three stages. First, participants responded more positively to a fictional red wine when its label featured floral imagery rather than a masculine portrait, and they were willing to pay several dollars more per bottle. In the second stage, adding a “woman-made wine” statement further strengthened purchase intentions, especially when combined with the feminine design. The third stage introduced photographs of women winemakers, which produced a more nuanced effect: purchase interest declined slightly for feminine-label wines, possibly because consumers reacted to the individuals shown rather than the broader message of women’s authorship.

Interestingly, the research also revealed that “woman-made” messaging boosted interest in wines with more traditionally masculine labels. In those cases, women consumers responded positively to both the statement and the inclusion of female winemakers’ images, even indicating a willingness to pay a premium. Beyond immediate marketing insights, the findings also draw attention to the relatively low proportion of women in winemaking roles, estimated at under one-fifth in the United States. By encouraging greater visibility, the research not only offers a route to stronger sales but also highlights women’s often-overlooked contributions to the wine industry.

More information: Demi Shenrui Deng et al, Her wine, her way: How women’s ownership disclosure in wine marketing shapes women consumers’ choices, International Journal of Hospitality Management. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhm.2026.104596

Journal information: International Journal of Hospitality Management Provided by Washington State University

Study Finds Improved Shelf Strategies Can Increase Retail Profitability and Cut Food Waste by Over 20%

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Grocery retailers can significantly cut food waste without investing in new technologies or relying on shoppers to change their habits. New research published in the INFORMS journal Management Science shows that modest operational choices already under retailers’ control—such as how perishable goods are displayed and when, and by how much they are discounted—can simultaneously reduce spoilage and improve profitability. Rather than requiring sweeping structural reform, the study suggests that everyday decisions on the shop floor can deliver measurable gains.

The researchers focus on perishable products whose quality declines over time, including fresh produce, dairy items and meat. Using advanced analytical models and thousands of simulated retail environments, they analysed how three elements interact: shelf placement, the timing of discounts and the depth of those discounts. This approach allowed them to isolate how subtle changes in presentation and pricing influence both consumer behaviour and financial outcomes across a wide range of conditions commonly faced by grocery stores.

Their central conclusion is strikingly simple: where an item sits on the shelf matters almost as much as how much it costs. By making small, strategic adjustments to product placement and coordinating these with well-timed discounts, retailers could increase profits by an average of around 6 per cent while cutting food waste by more than 21 per cent. These gains were consistent across many of the simulated scenarios, suggesting the results are robust rather than dependent on idealised assumptions.

The findings challenge a long-standing belief in retailing that prioritising only the freshest products at full price is the safest way to protect margins. Instead, the research shows that smarter combinations of display and discounting can create a rare win-win outcome, benefiting retailers, consumers and the environment simultaneously. As Zumbul Atan of Eindhoven University of Technology explains, retailers are not forced to choose between profitability and sustainability; in many cases, the very decisions that lift profits are the same ones that sharply reduce waste.

The broader context makes these results especially important. Food waste remains a global problem hidden in plain sight, with roughly 17 per cent of all food produced worldwide going uneaten and retail accounting for a substantial share. In the United States alone, estimates suggest that up to 40 per cent of food is never consumed. Beyond the economic loss, wasted food is a major source of methane emissions, intensifying climate change. The study shows that when older, near-expiry items are made easier to reach—by placing them at the front of displays, for example—customers are more likely to purchase them, leading to a measured 6.01 per cent profit increase and a 21.24 per cent reduction in relative waste compared with common industry benchmarks.

Importantly, the optimal strategy varies by product type. Items that deteriorate slowly, such as dairy, benefit most from prominent display of older stock combined with modest discounts. Fast-decaying and costly-to-discard products, like meat or prepared foods, perform better when fresher items are emphasised, and discounts are applied more aggressively. Even retailers that avoid discounting altogether, such as everyday low-price chains, can benefit from display adjustments alone when customer traffic is unpredictable. As Dorothee Honhon of the University of Texas at Dallas notes, meaningful gains are possible even without price changes. Ultimately, the research reinforces a powerful idea highlighted by Amy Pan of the University of Florida: better operational design can quietly improve profits, reduce waste and make food systems work better for everyone.

More information: Zumbul Atan et al, Displaying and Discounting Perishables: Impact on Retail Profits and Waste, Management Science. DOI: 10.1287/mnsc.2023.00316

Journal information: Management Science Provided by Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences

When transparency goes too far, markets suffer

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Transparency has become a fashionable mantra in modern finance. Opening up the inner workings of markets is widely assumed to improve decision-making, protect investors, and help regulators spot problems before they spiral out of control. From this perspective, more information appears synonymous with healthier markets, greater accountability, and reduced risk. As a result, transparency is often treated as an unquestioned virtue rather than a policy choice with trade-offs.

Recent academic research, however, suggests that this faith in transparency may be misplaced. Michael Sockin, a finance scholar, argues that making too much information publicly available can actually weaken financial outcomes. By modelling the interaction between corporate bond markets and short-term lending markets, he finds that reduced transparency can sometimes produce better results for the economy as a whole. When detailed information is freely available, companies may be incentivised to take on riskier projects, increasing the likelihood of widespread instability.

Sockin cautions that additional data does not automatically lead to wiser behaviour. In some cases, excessive transparency encourages looser credit conditions, allowing firms to borrow more easily even when their underlying risk is rising. This can result in more corporate defaults and heavier losses for investors. Those losses often spill over into institutions such as pension funds and insurance companies, where financial stress can have serious long-term consequences for households and retirees.

At the centre of this analysis are repurchase agreement markets, commonly known as repo markets. These markets function much like financial pawnshops, allowing large institutional investors to raise short-term cash by temporarily selling securities to lenders, with an agreement to buy them back later at a slightly higher price. Although they operate largely out of public view, repo markets are essential to the smooth functioning of the financial system and support trillions of dollars in daily lending.

Over the past two decades, regulators have sought to increase transparency in both bond and repo markets through detailed reporting systems. These reforms were intended to reduce uncertainty and promote confidence. Sockin’s models suggest that while such measures can expand participation and boost lending, they also reduce discipline. With detailed information readily available, lenders may underestimate risk, while borrowers become less cautious, leading to an overall decline in investment quality.

This framework also helps explain the dynamics of the 2008 global financial crisis. Years of expanding transparency and easy credit encouraged greater risk-taking, leaving the system vulnerable when asset values collapsed. When confidence evaporated, lenders abruptly withdrew, markets froze, and companies struggled to refinance their debts. Sockin’s conclusion is not that transparency is harmful in itself, but that it has limits. A moderate approach — providing general price information without revealing every transaction detail — may preserve discipline and reduce the likelihood of future crises.

More information: Michael Sockin, Informational frictions in funding and credit markets, Journal of Economic Theory. DOI: 10.1016/j.jet.2025.106101

Journal information: Journal of Economic Theory Provided by University of Texas at Austin

Better Solar Deployment Is Essential for Widespread Affordable Power

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Small household solar systems are increasingly promoted—and financed—as a way to deliver affordable, sustainable energy to people living without electricity. Their rapid spread has fuelled optimism that decentralised solar can close long-standing energy access gaps, particularly in rural Africa. Yet new research suggests that access alone is not enough. Simply owning a solar device does not automatically translate into meaningful or lasting energy services for households that need them most.

A two-year study examining more than 1,000 households in Malawi, one of the countries with the lowest electricity access rates globally, shows why. Researchers found that adoption and long-term use of household solar systems are shaped by factors such as cost, system size and perceived value. While interest in solar is strong, many families struggle to move beyond basic use because their systems deliver very limited power. The findings were published across three peer-reviewed studies and highlight both the promise and the shortcomings of current deployment models.

One of the clearest challenges is capacity. The study found that the median output of household solar systems in Malawi was just 6 watts—enough for minimal lighting or phone charging, but little more. By contrast, typical rooftop solar panels in wealthier countries produce hundreds of watts. The concern, researchers argue, is that rapid uptake of very small systems can create the impression that the energy access problem is being solved, when in reality households are receiving only modest services that do little to transform daily life.

The research shows that households with systems of at least 50 watts experience far greater benefits. These families are more likely to power multiple lights, run small appliances and extend productive activities into the evening. They are also more inclined to invest in additional components to expand their systems over time. However, such higher-capacity systems remain rare and are typically found among better-off households, raising questions about equity and affordability in current solar markets.

At the same time, the studies reveal important benefits even from low-power systems that are often overlooked. Many households prioritise outdoor lighting to improve safety at night, while the most widespread use of solar power is charging mobile phones. In Malawi, where phone ownership is common but grid electricity is scarce, home charging saves households both time and money. Phones also enable access to information, markets and mobile banking services, linking solar adoption to broader social and economic participation.

The research also uncovered subtler effects, including increased use of mobile money among households with solar access, suggesting gains in financial inclusion that are not always captured in traditional evaluations. Despite these positives, researchers stress that household solar in low-income settings is still at an early stage. To deliver widespread, meaningful energy access, future efforts must focus on better deployment—supporting higher-capacity systems, lowering costs and recognising the full range of benefits that solar power can provide as demand and aspirations grow.

More information: Pamela Jagger et al, Shining light on the scale, use, and impact of household solar for achieving energy access in rural Malawi, Energy Research & Social Science. DOI: 10.1016/j.erss.2026.104616

Journal information: Energy Research & Social Science Provided by University of Michigan

Research Suggests Strict Crisis Rules Can Slow Effective Response

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A study carried out by Carlos III University of Madrid (UC3M) argues that successful performance in crisis and emergency contexts depends less on strict rule-following and more on a team’s capacity to interpret rapidly changing events and adjust how they coordinate their actions. The research shows that when teams are required to apply crisis protocols rigidly, their ability to understand what is actually unfolding can be impaired. This rigidity can limit how effectively team members align their actions, ultimately reducing their capacity to adapt when situations evolve in unexpected ways.

Published in Organization Science, the study was led by Ramón Rico, Professor of Business Administration at UC3M. It examines how teams respond to highly disruptive events, such as emergencies where time pressure and uncertainty are extreme. The findings underline the importance of active sense-making during a crisis, especially the need for teams to recognise differences between what they initially expect to happen and what they observe in real time. Identifying these discrepancies allows teams to recalibrate their actions and avoid relying on assumptions that no longer match reality.

A central insight of the research is that effective adaptation depends on a dynamic balance between two forms of coordination. Implicit coordination relies on shared routines, prior experience, and mutual expectations developed through training and repeated interaction. Explicit coordination, by contrast, involves deliberate communication, clarification of roles, and conscious planning as circumstances change. The study demonstrates that teams perform best when they can move flexibly between these modes. Rigid crisis protocols, however, often push teams towards automatic responses, discouraging open discussion and limiting the ability to switch coordination strategies when conditions demand it.

Drawing on a combination of field research with real firefighting teams and controlled laboratory simulations, the study shows how enforced procedural rigidity restricts information processing. According to the authors, when teams are locked into predetermined action sequences, they are less likely to question whether those actions remain appropriate. This reduces their flexibility at precisely the moment when adaptability is most critical. The evidence suggests that strict adherence to protocol can therefore undermine, rather than enhance, team effectiveness in complex and volatile emergencies.

The research also introduces and tests a theoretical model explaining how teams adapt to disruption. This model integrates Task Mental Models, which represent the stable knowledge and expectations team members bring with them, and Team Situation Models, which capture the group’s shared understanding of what is happening in the moment. In crises, gaps frequently emerge between these two models as events diverge from expectations. Successfully addressing such gaps requires explicit coordination processes, including redefining responsibilities and sharing updated information, to safeguard lives and essential resources. When protocol enforcement suppresses these processes, adaptive recalibration becomes far more difficult.

The practical implications are substantial. Rico notes that unquestioned reliance on predefined procedures can become counterproductive if it prevents teams from incorporating new information from their environment. To counter this risk, the study points to training approaches such as perturbation training, which deliberately introduces controlled disruptions during exercises. By practising under altered conditions, teams learn to adapt roles and procedures more flexibly. This approach has already been applied in collaboration with La Paz University Hospital in Spain, where adaptive leadership training enabled teams to redistribute roles more effectively during critical operating theatre scenarios, leading to measurable improvements in clinical performance.

More information: Ramón Rico et al, Putting out the Fires: The Role of Team Knowledge, Coordination, and Procedural Rigidity in Adapting and Performing During Disruptive Events, Organization Science. DOI: 10.1287/orsc.2022.16932

Journal information: Organization Science Provided by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid