BehaviorJune 16, 2020
Why Do People Avoid Facts That Could Help Them?
Several studies suggest that individuals widely prefer to remain ignorant about information that would benefit them when it’s painful—and sometimes when it’s pleasurable
Stories by Francesca Gino
Francesca Gino is an award-winning behavioral scientist and Tandon Family Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School. She is author of Rebel Talent: Why It Pays to Break the Rules at Work and in Life, as well as Sidetracked: Why Our Decisions Get Derailed, and How We Can Stick to the Plan. Follow her on Twitter @francescagino.
BehaviorMay 13, 2020
Coping with ‘Death Awareness’ in the COVID-19 Era
According to terror management theory, people can have surprising reactions
BehaviorApril 21, 2020
The Right Way to Talk across Divides
“Conversational receptiveness” can be learned
OpinionMarch 21, 2020
When We’re Wrong, It’s Our Responsibility as Scientists to Say So
We tried to reproduce our 2012 paper on how to make people report their income more honestly—and we ended up refuting it
BehaviorOctober 2, 2019
How Dishonesty Drains You
Deceitful behavior diminishes our ability to read emotions, with many consequences
BehaviorNovember 13, 2018
How to Give Better Advice
Research reveals the common mistakes we make when trying to help
BehaviorOctober 23, 2018
How to Capitalize on Your Team’s Diversity
Research demonstrates the power of “cultural brokers”
BehaviorAugust 21, 2018
Need More Self-Control? Try a Simple Ritual
Study finds an unusual technique for eating less
BehaviorJuly 31, 2018
Why Hostility Can Bring People Closer Together
The surprising power of “hostile mediators”
BehaviorApril 24, 2018
Why Too Much Experience Can Backfire
Sometimes expertise gets in the way of making the right call
BehaviorJanuary 16, 2018
Darker Skies, Darker Behaviors
Why air pollution may increase crime
BehaviorSeptember 12, 2017
Another Reason Top Managers Are Disproportionally White Men
In a discriminatory environment, those outside of power are punished for trying to help each other
BehaviorJuly 5, 2017
The Problem with Being a Top Performer
Research demonstrates the ways coworkers punish star employees
BehaviorMay 16, 2017
Women May Find Management Positions Less Desirable
Research suggests new approaches to increasing gender diversity
BehaviorMarch 14, 2017
Dazzled by Creativity: Why We Excuse Dishonest Acts
If it’s unusual, maybe it’s not so bad?
CognitionMarch 22, 2016
Why Meeting a First Date for Breakfast Might not Be a Bad Idea
The time of day affects how people think
Mind & BrainMarch 1, 2016
Is It the Right Time for a Fresh Start?
Help is here for all those faltering New Year’s resolutions
Mind & BrainNovember 17, 2015
The Surprising Benefits of Sarcasm
Sarcastic comments boost creativity, a study finds
Mind & BrainNovember 3, 2015
Lean In to Be Stretched Thin?
One reason for fewer women in positions of power: They have more goals in life
Mind & BrainMay 19, 2015
The Must-Have Effect: When an Upgrade is Available, People Tend to Break What They'd Like to Replace
Research suggests you might have dropped that cellphone on purpose
BehaviorMarch 1, 2015
Asking Advice Makes a Good Impression
People are far too reluctant to ask for help, research shows
BehaviorDecember 30, 2014
Banking Culture Encourages Dishonesty
What is it about the financial sector that encourages bad behavior?
Mind & BrainOctober 7, 2014
Asking Advice Makes a Good Impression
People are far too reluctant to ask for help, research shows
Mind & BrainJune 17, 2014
How Data Beats Intuition at Making Selection Decisions
An algorithm beats the experts at hiring