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Leeds research doesn’t just exist inside journals—it actively informs the decisions of leaders, policymakers and innovators worldwide. Explore recent findings that highlight our faculty’s spirit of curiosity and collaboration.

Facts over Feelings

A study published in Management Science, “How Do Chief Executive Officers Make Strategy?” found methodical decision-making, not intuition, is the primary driver of executive success. Researchers, including Mu-Jeung (MJ) Yang, assistant professor of entrepreneurship and strategy, surveyed 262 CEOs and noted those who apply a scientific approach—proactively identifying problems, testing multiple solutions, and using evidence-based frameworks—lead larger, faster-growing companies. The research highlights that while gut feelings are often romanticized, structured strategy significantly improves long-term firm performance and helps leaders avoid costly, reactive mistakes.

Going Green

Do sustainability-focused innovators tend to voluntarily provide more information about patents than those in other industries? Yes, according to “,” published in the Review of Accounting Studies. Co-authored by Nikki Skinner, EKS&H Plante Moran-Dave Steiner Accounting Fellow and associate professor of accounting, the study revealed green innovators share significantly more innovation-related details than their peers to reduce the high costs stakeholders face when evaluating complex environmental technologies. Managers ramp up these disclosures when facing uncertainty around climate policies or negative media coverage.

Walk this Way

"Walkability” is determined by the emotional experience of a route, not just distance, according to research by Ruegg Family Faculty Scholar and Assistant Professor of Operations Management Sentao Miao. In “Data-Driven Facility Layout for Enhancing Walk Appeal in Walkable Neighborhoods,” Miao and co-authors analyzed 3.4 million trips and determined that “interesting” streets—those lined with shops, cafes and parks—encourage walking over driving. The discoveries suggest urban planners should prioritize human-centered design, clustering amenities in less-walkable areas to create attractions that foster active, lively communities.

Better Together

Alix Barasch, Andrea and Michael Leeds Faculty Fellow, associate professor of marketing, and marketing PhD program director, explored the psychological draw of live events in “The Power of Live: How Watching Events Together (and Apart) Influences Consumer Experience.” Published in the Journal of Marketing, the study revealed that viewers experience greater enjoyment and social connection when they believe an event is live, even if the content is identical to a recording. This “presence”—the feeling of sharing a singular, unfolding moment—heightens emotional engagement, explaining why millions still prioritize live broadcasts like the Super Bowl over highlights or replays.

Fatal Words, Financial Gains

Research co-authored by Dejun (Tony) Kong, professor of organizational leadership and information analytics, and Russell Cropanzano, Ted G. Anderson Professor of Free Enterprise, found a surprising link between CEO speech and investor confidence. When CEO communications are positive and focus on achievements, they’re more likely to be ignored, but when CEOs use death-related words, investors experience a heightened need for structure and meaning. This leads them to perceive leaders as more competent and their firms as more attractive investments. The study, “A Sensemaking Model of Investor Reactions to CEO Achievement Expressions,” was published in the Journal of Management.

In the News

“When women work together, people often assume they are teaming up to challenge men or change the rules, which can make others feel threatened—even if that’s not true.”��

Mallory Decker, doctoral candidate, reflecting on research examining how gender moderates pay outcomes, co-authored by David Hekman, associate professor of management and leadership.

“If people need to do this to supplement their incomes, then there are a lot of jobs out there just not paying high enough wages for people to live on.”��

Emily Gallagher, Arnold R. Weber Faculty Scholar and associate professor of finance, discussing her research on the growing number of new plasma donation centers opening in middle-class neighborhoods.

“Sometimes it’s OK to accept whatever trick they’re playing on us, as long as it’s not too costly, because that saves us cognitive effort.”

Ying Zeng, Dean’s Faculty Scholar and assistant professor of marketing, on how considering star ratings can hurt shoppers when making a purchase.