Research

Selected Works in Progress:

Don't Leave Me on Read! How Read Receipts Shape Professional Relationships and Outcomes in Organizations

Abstract: Read receipts, a common feature in instant messaging (IM), email platforms, and workplace tools, enable users to see when their messages have been read. This research investigates the impact of "read without reply" (RWR) scenarios on professional relationships and organizational outcomes. Across eight pre-registered studies (N = 2,506) using mixed methods (e.g., a field experiment, experiments, and survey), we explore how individuals attribute RWR messages, examining whether they are perceived as intentional avoidance, busyness, or neutral behavior. Results reveal that RWR messages lead to reduced willingness for future collaboration, mediated by feelings of perceived neglect.

Study 1 used Microsoft Teams, Gmail, and IM platforms to test future collaboration intentions under RWR and "not read, no reply" (NRNR) conditions. Study 2 employed a discourse completion task to assess subsequent reply behaviors and lengths. Study 3 used a recall-based design to compare emotional and relational effects of RWR versus NRNR scenarios. Findings suggest that RWR messages prompt negative relational outcomes compared to NRNR messages. Intervention studies explored moderators, including reply timing, message length, and relational closeness, to mitigate RWR's negative effects. These insights inform managerial strategies, such as toggling read receipt features, to improve communication and preserve workplace relationships. The study provides actionable implications for IM platforms and organizational communication practices.

Keywords: workplace signals, communications, social networks, organizational behavior

The Role of Marketing Assets in SEC Investigations and Financial Outcomes

Abstract: This study examines the role of marketing assets in mitigating financial and reputational risks for firms under investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Using a dataset of 2,024 SEC investigations of public U.S. firms from 2000 to 2017, we find that firms under investigation face a 33% higher risk of bankruptcy, primarily driven by a deterioration in investor confidence and market capitalization. Investigated firms reduce public exposure, issuing 11% fewer press releases, which significantly diminishes media coverage and wipes $55.4 millions of market value annually. However, the ripple effect of reduced communication—"SEC Investigation → Press Releases → News Coverage → Market Capitalization"—varies based on marketing-related factors. Firms with strong brand associations and corporate reputation are less likely to curtail press releases and experience milder declines in media coverage and investor confidence. Conversely, firms with positive news coverage face intensified market reactions to reduced visibility. Our findings suggest that firms should sustain, rather than reduce, public relations efforts during SEC investigations, as each withheld press release results in an average $1.18 million loss in market capitalization. Managers are encouraged to leverage marketing capabilities, such as strong branding, to shield their firms from adverse outcomes. These insights contribute to the literature on SEC investigations and marketing’s role in crisis management.

Keywords: SEC investigations, marketing assets, bankruptcy risk, corporate reputation

Optimizing Trading Volume Through AI Integration and Expansion on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM): A Field Experiment on Platform-Owned vs. Third-Party Crypto Bots

Navigating the Future: Boston's Roadmap of Perceptions and Concerns Regarding Autonomous Vehicle Technology

Abstract: The paper presents an in-depth analysis of public attitudes towards autonomous vehicles (AVs) in Boston, incorporating a comprehensive survey to capture a diverse range of perspectives. The study systematically examines the influence of socio-demographic factors, including age, education, and occupation, on public opinion. It also delves into the impact of media coverage in shaping perceptions and discusses prevalent concerns about safety, legal implications, and technology reliability. The findings highlight a complex interplay between enthusiasm for technological advancement and apprehension about its practical implementation. The research contributes significant insights into public sentiment, informing policymakers and stakeholders in the AV industry about prevailing attitudes and potential areas for focused communication and policy intervention.

Keywords: marketing and public policy, tech innovation adoption