The Bureau was initially established in the fall of 1982 within the Dillard College of Business Administration, and Dr. Yoshikazu Fukasawa was chosen as the inaugural Director. The primary objective of the Bureau was to promote research and public knowledge of economic affairs. To that end, it assisted and encouraged student and faculty research related to the economic development of the Wichita Falls community and the region. It also promoted business and local community partnerships around contemporary economic, business, and governmental issues. Additionally, as a member of the nationwide Association for University and Economic Research, the Bureau published the journal Midwestern Business and Economic Review.
After a brief hiatus in its functionality from summer 2022 to summer 2023, the Bureau was redesigned in Fall 2023 to actively promote original faculty research in all business areas in general: economics, finance, management, accounting, marketing, and management information systems. However, research questions, particularly focusing on government policies and implications, are highly encouraged to carry forward the original essence of the Bureau. Such questions may include U.S.-specific studies, cross-national investigations, or any other country-specific studies at any level of the government: local, state, or federal.
Research topics, papers, and presentations will present the points of view of the authors only and do not reflect those of the Bureau of Business and Government Research, the Dillard College of Business Administration, or Midwestern State University. The faculty author(s) assume responsibility for the authenticity and accuracy of facts presented in each research project.
Below, each link provides the research endeavors of the Bureau for the corresponding academic year.
AY2024-2025
BROWN BAG SEMINARS
Seminar 1: October 4, Friday, 12-1pm, Priddy Conference Room
Presenter: Dr. Andrew Holt (Economics)
Paper Title: “Industrial Concentration and Wages: An Examination of the National Labor Relations Act”
Authors: Andrew Chase Holt (MSU TX)
Abstract: Using a difference-in-difference model, I find evidence that a structural change between wages and industrial concentration occurred in the winter of 1936-1937. This structural change likely occurred due to the National Labor Relations Act increasing the bargaining power of unions, allowing them to obtain a larger share of rents originating from imperfect competition. Because employment did not increase or decrease as wages increased, this suggests that the economic rents unions and firms bargained over originated from frictions in both labor and product markets. I also find evidence that this structural change led to a decline in within-industry wage inequality between white-collar and blue-collar employees.
Seminar 2: November 22, Friday, 12-1pm, Priddy Conference Room
Presenter: Dr. Yang Xu (Management)
Paper Title: “Cognitive Bias Training for Improving Resource Allocation: A Field Experiment Involving Military Officers”
Authors: Yang Xu (MSU TX)
Abstract: In a field experiment using two variations and a no-training control condition, 40 military officers were randomly assigned to an experimental group that received cognitive bias training. Training in cognitive biases improved resource allocation as assessed through both objective and subjective measures, compared with a control condition; however, subsequent training of the control group produced minimum improvement in decision making.
Additional Short Presentation: Dr. Xu will also share her insights on the following topic if time permits, which she presented at the 2024 AOM conference: "Using AI in Teaching."
AY2023-2024
BROWN BAG SEMINARS
Seminar 1: February 23, Friday, 12-1pm, Priddy Conference Room
Presenter: Dr. Ashok Bhattarai (Marketing)
Paper Title: "The Effects of Roasting Versus Toasting Brand-to-Brand Communications on Consumer Perceptions"
Authors: Anh Dang (Northern Kentucky University), Ashok Bhattarai (MSU TX), Jose Saavedra Torres (Northern Kentucky University)
Abstract: Our research explores brand-to-brand communication, specifically "roasting" versus "toasting" and their impacts on consumer brand perceptions and attitudes. Through a series of studies, including web scraping and online experiments, we found that "roasting" enhances consumer perceptions through heightened entertainment value, especially when the humor is effectively neutralized. The positive effects of "roasting" are more pronounced for familiar brands, while "toasting" is advisable for lesser-known brands to foster a positive image. This study offers strategic insights into using humor in digital brand communications, emphasizing the importance of brand familiarity and message neutrality.
Seminar 2: April 19, Friday, 12-1pm, Priddy Conference Room
Presenter: Dr. Lin Wang (Accounting)
Paper Title: "Corporate Social Responsibility and Market Premium to Meet/Beat Earnings Benchmark"
Authors: Lin Wang (MSU TX), Lanyi Yan Zhang (University of Houston - Downtown), Yu Bai (Louisiana State University in Shreveport)
Abstract: This study examines the effect of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) performance on the market premium to MBE (meeting or beating earnings benchmark). We hypothesize and find that CSR performance reduces the market premium of MBE, particularly when firms are habitual beaters. The findings are robust to a multitude of control variables and alternative measures. Our results suggest that CSR is a double-edged sword and may have a detrimental impact on firm value when management deviates from long-term value creation that benefits society to deliver short-term positive outcomes. These findings carry implications for regulators and companies engaged in CSR initiatives.