UTEP College of Business Administration’s Fernanda Wagstaff, Ph.D wins award for Responsible Research in Management

Fernanda Wagstaff, Ph.D., a faculty member in The University of Texas at El Paso College of Business Administration, was part of a research team selected as a winner of the 2021 Award for Responsible Research in Management, a prize co-sponsored by the Fellows of the Academy of Management and the Community for Responsible Research in Business and Management awarded for research that addresses major world challenges with potential to lead to major societal impact.

Wagstaff, an associate professor of management, and Lorraine Eden, professor emerita of management in the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University, were named winners for their significant contributions to the science and practice of management with their paper “Evidence-based policymaking and the wicked problem of SDG 5 gender equality” published in the Journal of International Business Policy.

The award recognizes high-quality scientific research that addresses critical issues in business and society. Through responsible research, business schools contribute credible knowledge that transforms into business a force for good and makes the world a better place.

The authors provide insights from evidence-based policymaking (EBP) arguing that EBP offers actionable and practical policy advice for tackling the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The authors apply their arguments to the fifth SDG regarding gender equality, which aims to empower all women and girls to expand economic growth, promote social development, and enhance business performance.

“We are delighted to hear about Dr. Wagstaff’s recognition by the Fellows of the Academy of Management and RRBM for her paper published in the Journal of international Business Policy, said John Hadjimarcou, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Marketing and Management at UTEP. “Her research in the areas of diversity and gender equality make her an international expert on issues that UTEP values greatly but are also of paramount importance to contemporary business leadership circles.”

The 13 winners — which included four distinguished winners, nine winners, and eight finalists — were selected using a rigorous two-stage review process that involved fellows of the Academy of Management and practicing executives. Each award winner exemplifies the principles of responsible research.

“This award reflects how the College of Business Administration at UTEP creates actionable and responsible solutions to better serve societies around the world by informing business policies and practices on how best to address inequality in the workplace,” Wagstaff said.

Author: Christina Rodriguez – UTEP Communications