diverse group of people in a meeting room

The Role of Culture and Emotion in Employment Settings

This project examines how cultural differences in emotional values shape hiring disparities in the U.S. and abroad. Specifically, culturally shaped emotional values are reflected in how individuals present themselves when applying for a job. Previous studies show that in the United States, applicants present themselves as excited, while in East Asian countries, applicants present themselves as calm. In addition, culturally shaped emotional values influence the traits we look for when hiring someone for a job; European Americans choose to hire excited candidates, while East Asians choose to hire calm candidates.

There Is No “I” In Team

How do we work together to create the best outcomes for ourselves and our organizations? This project examines the ways in which messages of independence (e.g., asserting your own ideas) and interdependence (e.g., listening to the ideas of others) can dramatically shape teamwork outcomes and team members’ feelings of belonging across teams that are diverse with respect to race and ethnicity, gender, and culture of origin. Future studies will examine the effectiveness of different messages for enhancing teamwork outcomes both in the U.S. and abroad.

diverse group of people putting their hands together

Healthy Spaces

This interdisciplinary study examines the ways in which physical space can shape health and well-being. Specifically, we examine how diverse racial and gender representations (versus non-diverse representations) in our environments facilitate creativity, impact stress and well-being, and enhance belonging.