Business Daily Are social scientists good for boardrooms?
Jan 23, 2025
Michael Macy, a Distinguished Professor at Cornell University, explores the vital role of social scientists in business. He discusses how sociologists and economists enhance productivity and address ethical challenges in corporate decision-making. Dr. Melissa Cefkin shares her experience blending anthropology with corporate strategy, revealing potential conflicts between commercial realities and social issues. The conversation raises questions about the integration of social science and technology, and whether this trend is unique to the West.
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Social Scientists' Role
- Social scientists help companies see the bigger picture and how decisions have knock-on effects.
- They use data and evidence to improve company decision-making.
Smoking's Ripple Effect
- Smokers dying younger reduces costs on government, but they influence others to smoke.
- This negative multiplier effect highlights the importance of considering community impact.
Helping Behavior
- Observing others helping can decrease willingness to help, while receiving help increases it.
- These multiplier effects apply to both positive and negative actions.