Trust the science or not? How to question the evidence for managerial action

As a manager, you are constantly told to “trust the science” and to rely on scientific evidence to help them take decisions. But evidence-based management is only as good as the evidence given. Consequently, insufficient research can result in misguided decisions and poor outcomes.

Sure, the scientific process includes quality control, but there could be many reasons why individual findings might be inaccurate or inapplicable in a specific business context. Unfortunately, these problems are both frequent and difficult to for practitioners/managers to inspect. Then you find yourself in an uncomfortable position: how do you separate the sound, actionable evidence from the faulty, inapplicable rubbish? When can you trust that the evidence is solid enough for managerial action?

What will you learn?

The solution to the problem of poor evidence isn’t for you to distrust the scientific process and take decisions in the dark. Just the opposite. I urge you to demand more out of the evidence you review. Based on the latest developments in scientific reform, I have devised a tool to help managers, like you, to become more confident in the evidence they consider undertaking. This tool, RECheck (Research Evidence Checklist), consists of a set of questions for you to ask as you consider the evidence. Is the data behind the evidence available to inspect? Did the analysis follow a pre-specified plan? Answers to these and other questions increase the likelihood of reaching an effective decision. More often times than not, evidence which meets these demands (e.g., open data and materials, pre-registered analysis plan, explicit arguments for applicability) brings with it a stronger empirical basis for managerial action. As I see it, RECheck can be your hands-on guide to evidential decision making.

We all understand that you as a manager cannot be expected to be a researcher. However, we can empower you to evaluate how reliable and relevant the research is. This webinar will offer actionable guidance in this area.

About the speakers

Prof. Gabriele Paolacci

Gabriele Paolacci is a behavioural scientist and associate professor of marketing at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM). He joined RSM after completing his graduate studies at Ca' Foscari University of Venice and the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan. Dr Paolacci’s research investigates behavioural research in management: how and why consumer decisions are seemingly irrational and counterproductive. He has also researched issues like how to ensure valid findings in online research. With work that has been awarded with a prestigious VENI grant, Gabriele teaches courses and workshops on managerial decision-making to diverse audiences worldwide.

Webinar - Trust the science or not?

Follow this organiser to stay informed on future events

Events you might like

The Science of Postnatal DepressionThe Science of Postnatal Depression

The Science of AuDHD with Dr Tom NicholsonThe Science of AuDHD with Dr Tom Nicholson

The Science of Postnatal Depression

The Science of AuDHD with Dr Tom Nicholson