Knowledge at Wharton

Research from Wharton professor Rebecca (Becky) Schaumberg and PhD student Zhiying (Bella) Ren reveals how disagreement in a conversation is often mistaken for bad listening, regardless of how engaged the listener is. Schaumberg explains their findings.

Listen to a special episode from Where AI Works, a new podcast hosted by Wharton faculty, sponsored by Accenture. The show dives into how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we live and work, with real-world stories and insights from leaders across industries. In this episode, host Kartik Hosanagar speaks with David Droga, founder of Droga5 and current CEO of Accenture Song, to explore how AI is transforming the worlds of marketing, advertising, and creative work. From shifting agency dynamics to the evolving role of human imagination, Droga offers an inside look at what the creative industries need to embrace — and question — as AI tools grow more powerful. Tune in to hear how one of the world’s top advertising leaders sees the future of creativity in the age of automation. Follow and listen to more of Where AI Works here.

Virtual influencers are more effective when paired with a companion, which makes them seem more human and trustworthy, according to research from Wharton's Jonah Berger, USC Marshall’s Giovanni Luca Cascio Rizzo, and LUISS Guido Carli University’s Francisco Villarroel Ordenes.

Wharton Deputy Dean Nancy Rothbard talks about how social media has changed office culture by giving colleagues a way to connect with each other outside of work. This Ripple Effect podcast episode is part of a series on “Wellness at Work.”

Companies can benefit from the experience and flexibility of older workers, says Wharton’s Peter Cappelli. What will it take for employers to stop age discrimination and change their approach to retirement? This Ripple Effect episode is part of a series on “Navigating Retirement.”

Wharton vice dean for executive education Patti Williams talks with Jennifer Tejada, CEO of digital operations management firm PagerDuty, about the importance of having an “ownership mindset,” understanding your users, and preparing for big changes like the advent of AI.

In this special episode, listen to curated excerpts from the Ripple Effect podcast on women’s leadership, workplace equity, and career advancement.

Professor Kevin Werbach has spent his career at the crossroads of business, law, and emerging technology. He talks about his latest project, the Wharton Accountable AI Lab, to help guide responsible development and governance of artificial intelligence.

Management professor Valentina Assenova discusses why digital platforms, like mobile money platforms, are improving financial access around the world. This Ripple Effect podcast episode is part of a series on “Innovation” that was produced in cooperation with Mack Institute for Innovation Management.