Business, ethics & society

The health of Americans is worse than that of populations of other wealthy nations. The U.S.’ lower health status inflicts costs on individuals, families, businesses and society, all of which are interdependent — as are community health and economic prosperity. What strategies can ensure that vital conditions are met for all Americans?

Many of us want to act in alignment with our values, but it’s often easier said than done. Giving Voice to Values (GVV) is an innovative approach to standing up for values under pressure. Here, GVV pioneer Mary Gentile shares a portion of her journey in finding the answer to “Once I know what I believe is right, how can I enact it effectively?”

As we close Women’s History Month, some of Darden’s many female faculty experts share wisdom on leadership and business. Here they offer guidance in advancing to leadership positions, creating trust, race in the workplace, leading mindfully through crisis and supporting female entrepreneurs in emerging economies.

New research by Darden Professor Gaurav Chiplunkar tracks the rise and fall of dowry in India and analyzes common theories about trends in the practice, as well as offers speculation on mitigating it: “As there is a public interest in eliminating dowry due to harmful effects, education may be an effective strategy to fight it.”

To buffer the effects of the pandemic on the economy, the U.S. Congress has enacted a number of bipartisan COVID-19 related bills, including the CARES Act, which got a few things wrong. Darden Professor Anton Korinek shares insights on how to improve targeting and overall effectiveness of federal aid during large-scale crises.

Research shows that racial stereotypes undermine opportunities and diversity enables organizations to build relations with stakeholders. Here: four strategies to assert racial identity as an asset — mobilizing identities to the positive, challenging stereotypes, building bridges, and helping people navigate microaggressions and do their jobs better

Leadership matters more in challenging times. How does a team’s captain preserve confidence and commitment to the group, even when performance dips? New research shows that successful team dynamics may have a good deal to do with ethical leadership.

For years, the Western United States has experienced increasing drought. A new paper by Darden economist Peter Debaere reveals the culprit: beef production. Long-term water security and ecosystem health will depend on change.

People born to higher social class can make good impressions, be confident and end up in leadership. But they’re also geared to self-interest rather than collaboration. Research examines ties between childhood and current social class, mobility and entitlement; what this may mean for opportunity equality; and how it can be detrimental for firms.

A feeling that part of one’s identity is unwelcome at work threatens an employee’s connection with others and the organization, and a feeling rejection due to religion can be extreme. Here: A framework to think about how people respond when they feel their religious identities are threatened at work, in context of organizational culture.