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‘Bottom-line mentality’ can lead to loss of employee respect and loyalty, research shows Supervisors driven by profits could actually be hurting their coveted bottom lines by losing the respect of their employees, who counter by withholding performance, according to a new study led by Baylor University. The study, “The Influence of Supervisor Bottom-Line Mentality and Employee Bottom-Line Mentality on Leader-Member Exchange and Subsequent Employee Performance,” is published in the journal Human Relations. “Supervisors who focus only on profits to the exclusion of caring about other important outcomes, such as employee well-being or environmental or ethical concerns, turn out to be detrimental to employees,” said lead researcher Matthew Quade, Ph.D., assistant professor of management in Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business. “This results in relationships that are marked by distrust, dissatisfaction and lack of affection for the supervisor. And ultimately, that leads to employees who are less likely to complete tasks at a high level and less likely to go above and beyond the call of duty.” While other studies have examined the impact of bottom-line mentality (BLM) on employee behavior, Quade said this is the first to identify why employees respond with negative behaviors to supervisors they perceive to have BLM. The research team surveyed 866 people. Half of those surveyed were supervisors; the other half were their respective employees. Data was collected from those who work in a range of jobs and industries, including financial services, health care, sales, legal and education. Researchers measured supervisor BLM, employee BLM, task performance and leader-member exchange – the rating employees gave of their relationships with their supervisors. Employees rated their supervisors’ BLM by scoring on a scale statements like: “My supervisor treats the bottom line as more important than anything else” and “My supervisor cares more about profits than his/her employees’ well-being.” They rated leader-member exchange via statements such as “I like my supervisor very much as a person” and “My relationship with my supervisor is composed of comparable exchanges of giving and taking.” Supervisors rated their employees by scoring statements such as: “This employee meets or exceeds his/her productivity requirements,” “This employee searches for ways to be more productive” and “This employee demonstrates commitment to producing quality work.” Based on the responses and the data collected and analyzed, the researchers found: High-BLM supervisors create low-quality relationships with their employees. In turn, employees perceive low-quality leader-member exchange relationships. Thus, employees reciprocate by withholding performance. When supervisor BLM is high and employee BLM is low, the damaging effects are strengthened. When both supervisor and employee BLM are high, the negative performance is still evident. The last finding on that list was particularly significant, Quade said, because it contradicts a common belief that when two parties (in this case, supervisors and employees) think alike and have similar values, there will be a positive outcome. Not so much in the case of BLM, the study shows. “When supervisor and employee BLM is similarly high, our research demonstrates the negative effect on performance is only buffered, not mitigated – indicating no degree of supervisor BLM seems to be particularly beneficial,” the researchers wrote. “It seems even if employees maintain a BLM, they would prefer for their managers to focus on interpersonal aspects of the job that foster healthier social exchange relationships with their employees in addition to the bottom line.” The profit-performance relationship can spark a conundrum for companies, Quade said, because organizations want to be profitable, and performance is an important indicator of an organization’s health and vitality. If leaders believe a negative dynamic regarding BLM exists in their organization, the researchers suggest a few practical steps: Be cautious of a BLM approach or emphasizing bottom-line outcomes that could neglect other organizational concerns, such as employee well-being and ethical standards. Managers should be aware of the message they pass along to employees (and the possible performance repercussions) when they tout bottom-line profits as the most important consideration. Organizations that need to emphasize bottom-line outcomes should consider pairing the BLM management style with other management approaches known to produce positive results, such as practicing ethical leadership. “Supervisors undoubtedly face heavy scrutiny for the performance levels of their employees, and as such they may tend to emphasize the need for employees to pursue bottom-line outcomes at the exclusion of other competing priorities, such as ethical practices, personal development or building social connections in the workplace,” the researchers wrote. “However, in doing so they may have to suffer the consequence of reduced employee respect, loyalty and even liking.” ABOUT THE STUDY “The Influence of Supervisor Bottom-Line Mentality and Employee Bottom-Line Mentality on Leader-Member Exchange and Subsequent Employee Performance” is published in the journal Human Relations. Authors are Matthew Quade, Ph.D., assistant professor of management in Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business; Benjamin McLarty, Ph.D., assistant professor of management, Mississippi State University; and Julena Bonner, Ph.D., assistant professor, Utah State University. ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 17,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. ABOUT HANKAMER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY At Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business, integrity stands shoulder-to-shoulder with analytic and strategic strengths. The School’s top-ranked programs combine rigorous classroom learning, hands on experience in the real world, a solid foundation in Christian values and a global outlook. Making up approximately 25 percent of the University’s total enrollment, undergraduate students choose from 16 major areas of study. Graduate students choose from full-time, executive or online MBA or other specialized master’s programs, and Ph.D. programs in Information Systems, Entrepreneurship or Health Services Research. The Business School also has campuses located in Austin and Dallas, Texas. Visit www.baylor.edu/business and follow on Twitter at twitter.com/Baylor_Business.
Careful what you click – FaceApp is all the rage, but should we be more careful with what we share?
You can’t avoid it…just about everywhere you venture this week on social media, you’ll see friends, family members and even celebrities posting pics of what they’ll supposedly look like as they age gracefully into the future. It’s done with a new downloadable app, FaceApp, and it seems harmless enough until you read the fine print. “You grant FaceApp a perpetual, irrevocable, nonexclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, fully-paid, transferable sub-licensable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, publicly perform and display your User Content and any name, username or likeness provided in connection with your User Content in all media formats and channels now known or later developed, without compensation to you. When you post or otherwise share User Content on or through our Services, you understand that your User Content and any associated information (such as your [username], location or profile photo) will be visible to the public.” – FaceApp terms of use For the more than 100 million people who have already used FaceApp, there are a few questions to be asked: Is this standard for downloadable apps or are these terms a new trend? What could FaceApp actually use this data for and what value does it hold? What are the concerns about privacy and protection of personal information? Is there a real reason to worry and can lawmakers take any recourse? If you are a reporter looking to learn more about FaceApp and data protection – let our experts help. Sarah Rees is the director of Augusta University’s Cyber Workforce Academy and she is an expert in the areas of cyber security and information protection. She’s available to speak to media regarding FaceApp – simply click on her icon to arrange an interview.
Social issues and boosting a brand – More companies taking a stand
Procter & Gamble this weekend put out a full-page ad in the New York Times supporting equal pay – In fact, the company urged the US Soccer Federation to “be on the right side of history.” P & G also gave $529,000 (which equates to $23,000 for each of the 23 players on the United States Women’s National Soccer Team) to the Players Association to help close the gender pay gap. Indiana University Kelley School of Business clinical professor of marketing Kim Saxton says this is an excellent move for Secret and P & G. “This is brilliant. The Secret brand is all about being strong but 'made for a woman.' It makes sense for the brand to stand up for the very women it serves,” said Saxton. “I was a bit surprised at one level, because P & G is not typically a risk-taking brand. But as long as they stay consistent to the brand, know their target audience and what is important to that audience – which this clearly does -- It’s a brilliant move.” “We now have brands who are willing to take a stand on social issues,” Saxton continued. “In the past, brands may have steered clear of jumping into the conversation if it could offend someone. Now, brands are realizing that coming down on one side of a cause or another has worked well for Nike. Nike has taken flack for taking a stand on a number of issues, but they’ve stood strong and decided that’s what their brand’s about. If you help your target audience accomplish their goals, they will support you back, and that’s what’s happening here." Pay equity is just one issue that has come to the forefront as of late. Nike has also seen its brand benefit substantially when it decided to express its support for former NFL quarterback- turned-activist Colin Kaepernick. In fact, being on the ‘right’ side of that issue has some analysts pointing out it boosted the company’s value by close to 3 billion dollars. Social issues and marketing are emerging as a new trend. There are rewards, but there are also serious consequences as well. If you are a reporter covering this topic -- let our experts help explain. Kim Saxton is a marketing strategy professor who believes marketers should make data-driven decisions to improve their effectiveness. Kim is available to speak with media regarding this topic – simply click in her icon to arrange an interview.
Social media and the road to 2020
It was supposed to be a summit to discuss social media with lawmakers, political campaigners and social media gurus. But never missing an opportunity to take a swipe at Silicon Valley, President Trump unleashed on the tech industry at the White House’s Social Media Summit. “Trump delivered his diatribe against Facebook, Google and Twitter — charges of political bias that all three companies long have denied — at an event at the White House featuring Republican lawmakers, GOP campaign strategists and social media meme-makers, a move that led some critics to express dismay that the president aimed to use the policy summit as a reelection push.” - July 11, Washington Post But will social media play the role it did in previous elections? Has the fad faded or accounts, influencers, followers and friends still as vital as ever? And what have we learned from the past election about account data being used to sway voters? There’s still a lot to know, and that’s where we can help. David A. Schweidel is Professor of Marketing at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. He’s an expert in the areas of social media and is available to speak with media – simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.
The political math behind the numbers - let our experts explain why a census is suddenly a hot topic
Usually, there’s nothing particularly interesting, let alone controversial, about a census. It’s an objective collection of data that allows the government and other organizations to use pure evidence to determine things like population growth and shift, income rates and education participation rates. For those who rely on metrics, it means a lot. For everyone else — it’s a form we fill out once a decade. However, these are not normal times. There's an ongoing debate among politicians and the courts regarding the request to add a question about citizenship to the 2020 census. Here’s the question: So, is it right to inquire about citizenship in a census? What are the benefits? What are the concerns And why is this such a big deal? That’s where our experts can help. Dr. Martha Ginn, professor of political science at Augusta University, is an expert on the judicial process, constitutional law and the U.S. Supreme Court. Dr. William Hatcher, associate professor of political science and director of the Master of Public Administration program at Augusta University, focuses on public administration and social, economic and political institutions in local communities. Both are available to speak with media regarding the census issue. To arrange an interview, click on either expert’s icon.
A closer look at deepfakes. Let our experts explain if there’s a reason to worry.
Deepfakes…they’re eerie, entertaining and getting a lot of attention. Deepfake videos are made using artificial intelligence technology which can manipulate someone's face in a video to make it look like they are saying something that they didn't. It's one level up from dubbing, or lip syncing, and can appear very convincing. One example is a video that was made using footage of Mark Zuckerburg in 2017; it was doctored and falsely portrays the Facebook CEO discussing how he had stolen data. – The Sun, June 26 The new concept is all the rage and has seen people spoofed, mocked and tricked. But as once again technology outpaces legislation and with an election approaching, deepfakes have some people going off the deep end. Every day, thousands of videos are posted online, which means that any potential filtering program would need to be able to quickly and efficiently detect fake content. Even then, such media would likely be removed only after being published, meaning that the video would likely have already had an impact. For these reasons, deepfakes are expected to contribute to the upcoming 2020 election in the United States, likely acting as an agent of spreading fake news. However, Edward Delp, a Purdue University professor who developed a computer program to help detect these videos, believes deepfakes pose a bigger threat. “Deepfakes pose a threat to more than just political videos,” he said. “It can be used in making fake child pornography, revenge porn and financial bribes. Just general criminal behavior.” – The Exponent (Purdue University), June 21 As deepfakes become more common on social media and the internet, odds are they will make their way – accidentally or not – into the actual media. And as America still battles with the fake news phenomenon, will Deepfakes further erode our trust in media and our leaders? As deepfakes become more common on social media and the internet, odds are they will make their way into the actual media. So, what can be done? How will these deepfakes affect the perception of news media? What simple advice can we apply to verify if something is real or fake? And do these videos represent a threat to democracy, as some experts are saying? Dr. Gregg R. Murray, professor of political science at Augusta University, is available to talk about the implications of this new threat. Murray’s research focuses on political behavior and psychology with specific interests in voter mobilization and turnout. He is also executive director of the Association for Politics and the Life Sciences.
Why it just makes ‘cents’ to know your financial ABCs early in life – let our expert explain.
Managing money, understanding interest and how to avoid debt – all these elements make up some of the very basics of financial literacy. However, despite a humming economy and record low unemployment, more and more Americans are falling deeper into debt. Just recently, CBS News reported that roughly 4 in 10 Americans can’t cover an unexpected bill of 400 dollars. Something desperately needs to be done about not just how we are handling our money – but when we are taught the how banking, money and personal finances work. It’s a topic of concern and one that is gaining traction. Showbiz moguls Will Smith and Nas invested in a financial literacy app for teens (see attached article). The issue is finally on the radar of leaders in Washington and throughout the country as well, with 19 states now requiring financial education to graduate, according to the Council for Economic Education, up from 13 in 2011. Can these efforts make a real impact and reverse the tide of financial illiteracy? How did America get to this point? Is this about our spending habits and access to credit or a lack of education? And if we don’t correct the curse – what could it mean for our economy? There are a lot of questions and that’s where our experts can help! Professor Jonathan Clarke is an award-winning teacher and researcher in the fields of investment banking, finance and analysis. Clarke created a personal finance course that is offered to all Georgia Tech students that provides the importance of budgeting, basics of credit, as well as more advanced financial topics such as investing and trading. He’s an expert in the field and is available to speak with media about economics and the importance of financial literacy – simply click on his icon to arrange an interview. He has also developed a one-week summer course for high school students – Wall Street on West Peachtree and annually assists the Boy Scouts with obtaining their finance badge.
They are incidents that are now more common than a lot of people want to admit – and research is showing that mass shootings are taking a serious psychological toll on our country’s population. UMW’s Laura Wilson’s research was recently cited in media throughout the country for her work analyzing PTSD and its affects on witnesses to these events. “PTSD estimates 28 percent of people who have witnessed a mass shooting develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and about a third develop acute stress disorder. Laura Wilson, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Mary Washington in Virginia conducted a meta-analysis — an examination of data from 11 studies of PTSD symptoms among more than 8,000 participants who ranged from those who'd witnessed shootings to those who just lived in the communities in a 20-year period. She found the greater the exposure — someone who was at the scene or who lost a friend or family — the greater risk of developing PTSD. But, in her work, Wilson has found other factors, too, including previous psychological symptoms and a lack of social support, also played a role in increasing the likelihood. "Mass shootings are a different type of trauma," Wilson says. "People are confronted with the idea that bad things can happen to good people. ... Most people have a hard time reconciling the idea that a young, innocent person made the good decision to go to school, was sitting there, learning and was murdered. That does not make sense to us. ... It just rattles us to our core." And yet, some people don't fully appreciate the lasting psychological wounds of those who escaped physical harm.” June 02, Associated Press Are you covering this topic, or would you like to know more? That’s where UMW can help. Laura C. Wilson is a clinical psychologist whose expertise focuses on post-trauma functioning, particularly in survivors of sexual violence or mass trauma (e.g., terrorism, mass shootings, combat). Dr. Wilson is available to discuss this topic with media – simply click on her icon to arrange an interview.
Monitoring the migration of blackfin sharks – Florida Atlantic’s experts are in the news
Seeking the warmer waters of the south coast – it is that time again for the annual migration of the black fin shark. These majestic sharks can grow up to 8 feet and weigh in at more than 200 pounds when fully grown. They’re also listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as near threatened, mostly due to the fact it is a targeted for its meat and its fins, which are used to make shark fin soup. Recently, one of our experts was featured in the media for his efforts in ongoing research and his studies are benefiting those who live both on water and on land. “Dr. Stephen Kajiura, a researcher at Florida Atlantic University, has been tracking the migration patterns of these apex predators by air and sea. Now Kajiura's latest tool is providing thorough details about their every move. He is capturing their movements and gathering detailed information through a $5,000 reusable radio and satellite sensor attached to their dorsal fins for two to four days. Data from these "shark diaries" records information, including how often they swish their tails, at what depth they prefer to swim, and at what time of day they swim close to the beach — proving beneficial to lifeguards responsible for beach safety.” Tampa Bay Times Are you covering? Do you need to know more about sharks, the dangers they face and what researchers are learning about these amazing species of fish? Let our experts help. Stephen Kajiura, Ph.D., is a professor and researcher at Florida Atlantic University. He’s also an expert in sharks and shark behavior. Stephen is available to speak with media – simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.
What will the “new” NAFTA mean for business in Canada?
The "new" NAFTA - officially renamed as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) in Canada, but is referred to as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in the media - could be a benefit for businesses. While tariffs are being lifted and reduced trade talks thaw – it appears that the USMCA is a win/win/win for businesses on every side of the border. The new trade accord has free-trade when it comes to manufacturing, importing, exporting and resourcing. The USMCA sounds great, but will those rays reach areas like Northeastern Ontario? Will our resource and mining industries benefit? Also, what about our emerging technology sector? There is a lot to be figured out as this new trade deal goes through the approval process in Canada and America. Luckily, we have experts who can help! Marc Boivin, Manager at Freelandt Caldwell Reilly LLP, is an expert in the areas of organizational finance, assets acquisition, business valuation and transactions. Contact Marc to arrange an appointment regarding this topic by clicking the contact button below. Sources:
