Best of 2021
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Best of 2021

Kellogg faculty published a wide variety of insightful research and analysis in 2021. Here's a look at some of this past year's top stories.

woman applies hand sanitizer in store
Marketing

“Stay Healthy” or “Keep Safe”: Which Social-Distancing Messages Are the Most Persuasive?

The answer depends on whether people are thinking about protecting themselves or their community.

mentor and protege discuss careers
Careers

Now’s the Time to Negotiate for the Job—or Salary or Flexibility—You Want

Tips from an expert negotiator on how to ask without fear.

basketball player shooting jumpshot with dollar bills trailing shot
Social Impact

Big-Time College Athletes Don’t Get Paid. Here’s How This Amplifies Racial Inequities.

A new study finds that much of the revenue from football and basketball, which have a high proportion of Black athletes, gets funneled to predominantly white teams.

pastry chef puts finishing touches on a cake
Careers

Take 5: How to Become an Expert in Something New

Turns out, there’s a “special sauce” that can help you get there. But expertise can also come with a curse.

Woman walking into boardroom with three seated men
Organizations

Companies Are Adding More Women to Their Boards. What’s Driving the Change?

“When your largest shareholders create a ruckus, you listen.”

woman standing confidently
Leadership

Executive Presence Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All. Here’s How to Develop Yours.

A professor and executive coach unpacks this seemingly elusive trait.

person reads newspaper noting company's ESG initiative
Finance & Accounting

Does Positive ESG News Help a Company’s Stock Price?

A comprehensive new study finds that investors reward some—but not all—efforts.

woman standing on 1s and 0s
Operations

Looking to Further Digitize Your Operations? This Tool Can Help.

There’s no single solution or easy answer. But you can use this framework to audit your efforts and figure out your next move.

people surround a town square distant from each otherz
Policy

Trust Usually Helps Communities Thrive. During a Pandemic, Not So Much.

Places with high levels of trust are worse at social distancing.

group of employees brainstorms with hourglass table
Innovation

Keep Brainstorming—Your Best Ideas Are Still to Come

The common (and mistaken) belief that we generate our best ideas early can actually squash creativity.

woman in blue suit ascending green staircase
Leadership

3 Skills New Managers Need to Succeed

To start, recognize that entire teams—and not just individuals—require clear feedback.

family ignores TV ads
Marketing

TV Advertising Is Usually Not Worth It

Companies spend vast sums on commercials, but it’s been difficult to gauge their effectiveness. A new study offers a more reliable method—and some bad news for many brands.

diversity training session
Organizations

5 Ways to Improve Diversity Training, According to a New Study

All too often, these programs are ineffective and short-lived. But they don’t have to be.

woman slices trophy-shaped cake
Strategy

How to Design Contests That Motivate Employees

From innovation challenges to sales competitions, contests offer a powerful way to incentivize teams and individuals.

executive describes sustainable investments
Finance & Accounting

Understanding the Rapidly Evolving World of Sustainable Finance

It’s no longer a niche investment strategy—and it has the potential to deliver strong returns.