UBC Sauder

Vigilantes seeking justice can also spell trouble for workplaces, study finds

Vigilantes are known for fighting perceived wrongs by taking matters into their own hands. But what effect do they have on workplaces? A new study from UBC Sauder shows that vigilante behaviour can pose challenges for organizations because it is increasingly coming from outside as well as within the workplace.

Jun 15, 2022

Can bad reviews be good for business? New UBC research says yes

Studies have shown that low star ratings and negative comments from unsatisfied customers can have an enormous impact on shoppers’ purchase decisions — and even ruin a product’s prospects. But are negative reviews always such a bad thing?

Apr 7, 2022

Researchers found that young adults who viewed the positive parent-child images had a 22 per cent stronger desire to have children than those who viewed the neutral images.

Baby fever: UBC study finds advertising and social media can boost desire to have children

A new study from the UBC Sauder School of Business finds that viewing positive parent-child images in advertising and social media boosts empathic emotions, which in turn increases young adults desire to have children.

Feb 17, 2022

Laneway homes can decrease neighbouring property values in affluent areas: UBC study

Having a laneway house next door can significantly decrease the value of your Vancouver home, depending on where you live, according to a new UBC Sauder School of Business study.

Nov 18, 2021

Weight loss changes people’s responsiveness to food marketing: study

According to a new study by the UBC Sauder School of Business and French researchers, people with obesity tend to be more responsive to food marketing — but when their weight drops significantly, so does their responsiveness to marketing.

Apr 1, 2021

Researchers tested their hypothesis with multiple field studies, including one at a local farmers market where they sold both attractive and unattractive tomatoes, carrots and potatoes.

The ugly truth: more consumers will buy unattractive fruits and veggies when they’re labeled ‘ugly’

Few marketers would recommend that clients call their products ugly — but new research from UBC Sauder shows that when it comes to selling misshapen fruits and vegetables, labeling them as “ugly” can be a recipe for marketing success, while diverting millions of tons of edible produce from landfills.

Mar 9, 2021

More Republicans follow COVID guidelines when they’re told it will protect themselves: study

For decades, scientists have predicted that a deadly pandemic would sweep the globe — but what they didn’t expect was that basic public health measures such as mask wearing and social distancing would become political flashpoints, especially in the United States.

Nov 2, 2020

Want to fuel your personal performance? You’re probably choosing the wrong foods

A new study from the UBC Sauder School of Business shows people incorrectly believe that sugary, fatty foods will supercharge their activities.

Jul 30, 2020

What will the post-pandemic workplace look like?

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of people working from home. As businesses begin to reopen, employees may find themselves in a very different workplace than before the pandemic.

May 25, 2020

UBC experts on transit strike

Transit users across Metro Vancouver are preparing for a full-scale bus and SeaBus shutdown on Wednesday as the union representing bus operators and maintenance workers continues negotiations with the Coast Mountain Bus Company.

Nov 26, 2019

UBC experts are available to comment on ride-hailing in B.C. Credit: Flickr

UBC experts on ride-hailing in Metro Vancouver

Earlier today, Uber confirmed its plans to begin offering ride-hailing service in Metro Vancouver, following a similar announcement from Lyft earlier this month. UBC experts are available to comment.

Aug 28, 2019

Adding more women’s and unisex washrooms can boost business’s bottom line

According to a new study from the UBC Sauder School of Business, increasing the size of women’s washrooms and adding unisex washroom options can contribute to increased gender equity, customer satisfaction and sales volume in business facilities.

Dec 20, 2018

A 2012 U.S. political ad targeting then-president Barack Obama.

Negative advertising works in U.S. politics

New research from the UBC Sauder School of Business has found that negative political advertising is effective, especially if it’s coming directly from a candidate or their campaign.

Nov 1, 2018

The researchers found that when teams are more mindful, the degree of interpersonal conflict decreased.

Mindfulness at work: UBC study first to uncover positive benefits for teams

Challenges and differences in opinion are inevitable when working in a team. But new research from the UBC Sauder School of Business has found that some of these conflicts can be reduced – or even avoided – through team mindfulness.

May 3, 2018

Why everyone loses at the workplace blame game

A new UBC Sauder School of Business study finds the demoralizing effects of what researchers call “swift blame” not only hurts employees, but also the bottom line.

Jun 26, 2017

Believing a cocktail contains an energy drink makes you feel more drunk

New research suggests that simply telling a young man that an energy drink has been added to his alcoholic beverage can make him feel more intoxicated, daring and sexually self-confident.

May 11, 2017

UBC Sauder’s election prediction markets take on pollsters

The UBC Sauder School of Business’s Prediction Markets are up and running, with traders speculating on who will win B.C. provincial election on May 9.

Mar 15, 2017

Get better customer service by choosing your words wisely

The next time you make a complaint to your cellphone or cable company, don’t get personal.

Dec 12, 2016

How toxic handlers save workplaces from destruction

You’ve watched them comfort colleagues, defuse tense situations and take the heat from tough bosses. These toxic handlers voluntarily shoulder the sadness, frustration, bitterness and anger of others so that high-quality work continues to get done.

Nov 30, 2016

How Black Friday ads transform calm into chaos

New research co-authored by Darren Dahl, professor in the UBC Sauder School of Business, finds that aggressive behaviour is primed the moment customers are first exposed to retail ads.

Nov 22, 2016