Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Leadership

Defying social norms and thinking outside the box are often seen as prerequisites for entrepreneurial success, but being unapologetically weird can be both an advantage and a liability, according to research from the University at Buffalo School of Management.

Available online ahead of publication in Personnel Psychology, the study explores the link between investor funding and perceived weirdness – defined as an individual difference characterized by failing to adhere to widely accepted social norms regarding one’s appearance, speech or behavior such that one is perceived as odd, strange or abnormal.

“People tend to draw conclusions about those who are non-normative,” says study co-author Emily Grijalva, associate professor of organization and human resources. “A person’s willingness to violate, or their inability to follow, norms can enhance their creativity; yet at the same time, weird entrepreneurs are perceived to have diminished competence.”

A moderate increase in servant leadership can have a significant effect on an organization’s revenue, a one-point increase in servant leadership scores (on a seven-point scale) resulted in $11.3 million in additional revenue for the company, about a 6% increase, according to research from the School of Management.

Appearing in Personnel Psychology, the study, led by James Lemoine, associate professor of organization and human resources, examined whether servant leadership makes it possible to focus on multiple stakeholder groups and the degree to which an employee’s focus on others impacts their business decisions.

“We gave employees a decision-making test and were able to show a relationship that we had theorized: those who were more ‘other-oriented’ made smarter, more well-thought-out decisions,” says Lemoine. “Other-orientation gives you experience looking at problems from perspectives beyond your own.”

In today’s complex and unpredictable work environments, understanding how employees respond to unachieved daily work goals is crucial to supporting their well-being and day-to-day productivity.

Published in Journal of Applied Psychology, new research from the University at Buffalo School of Management found that an employee’s downtime mindset impacts their day-to-day productivity, which can be mitigated by a workplace climate that encourages a future-oriented mindset and offers practical insight for managers seeking to support and retain employees.

“Instead of simply treating a missed goal as a mistake or failure that should be punished, managers need to help employees bounce back and protect them from falling into a psychological downward spiral,” says study co-author Min-Hsuan Tu, assistant professor of organization and human resources.

School of Management students have the opportunity to gain global perspective right here in the United States. Through the Experience the 50 program, School of Management students prepare to lead in today's business world. 

In the past year, the program has offered four experiences: Tech Trek to Boston; Leadership, Industry and Culture in Chicago; Business Practices in Disney; and West Coast FinTech and West Coast Tech Trek with combined travel to Silicon Valley. 

The UB MBA Consulting Group is a pro bono, student-run firm that selects three to four projects to complete each semester for small- to medium-sized businesses or nonprofits. Read how these students are making an impact.

The Henry A. Panasci Jr. Technology Entrepreneurship Competition brings together UB students from science, technology, business and other disciplines to maximize their potential and create viable businesses in Western New York.

The school’s Global Programs Office and our Center for Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness (CLOE) offer programs for students at our partner institutions abroad, empowering them to become more effective leaders in any team, organization or community. In addition, School of Management students may participate in some Global CLOE programs as volunteers or mentors, helping them to forge connections across continents, gain insights into other cultures, and develop their own leadership skills.

• Entrepreneurship minor
• Entrepreneurship concentration
  
• Undergraduate Honors program (leadership)
• Prominence in Leadership micro-credential
  

• MBA LeaderCORE (micro-credential)
• Entrepreneurship in the MBA core
  

Since 1987, the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership has been the premier Western New York resource for entrepreneurs like you who are looking to overcome your challenges, inspire innovation, and propel your business to growth and profitability.

Programs include those below and many more:

• Core Program
• M&T Bank Emerging Entrepreneurs Program

The Center for Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness advances research, education and outreach to create more effective leaders and organizations.

Opportunities include:

• Programs and certifications
• Thought leadership
• Conferences

Smaller than a minor or certificate, a micro-credential provides you an opportunity to gain relevant workforce skills, without the financial and time commitments of a degree.