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  1. Directory
  2. Faculty
  3. Modupe Akinola

Modupe Akinola

Barbara and David Zalaznick Professor of Business
Management Division
Faculty Director
Bernstein Center for Leadership and Ethics
Modupe Akinola
Areas of Expertise
Leadership & Organizational Behavior
Contact
Office: 346 Kravis
E-mail: [email protected]
Links
Personal Website
Curriculum Vitae

Modupe Akinola is the Barbara and David Zalaznick Professor of Business at Columbia Business School and Faculty Director the Bernstein Center for Leadership and Ethics. Prior to pursuing a career in academia, Professor Akinola worked in professional services at Bain & Company and Merrill Lynch. Professor Akinola examines how organizational environments- characterized by deadlines, multi-tasking, and other attributes such as having low status- can engender stress, and how this stress can have spill-over effects on performance. She uses a multi-method approach that includes behavioral observation, implicit and reaction time measures, and physiological responses (specifically hormonal and cardiovascular responses) to examine how cognitive outcomes are affected by stress. In addition, Professor Akinola examines workforce diversity. Specifically, she examines the strategies organizations employ to increase the diversity of their talent pool. She also explores biases that affect the recruitment and retention of minorities in organizations.

Education
BA, Harvard, 1996; MBA, Harvard, 2001; MA, Harvard, 2006; PhD, Harvard, 2009
Joined CBS
2009

All Activities

  • Research
  • Teaching
  • Awards and Honors
  • Press
  • CaseWorks
  • Journal articles
  • Working papers
  • Articles
  • Books
  • Chapters
Journal Article
Akinola, Modupe, Michael Slepian , and Katherine Qianwen Sun
. “The Look of a Leader.” (April 03, 2025).
Explore Further about The Look of a Leader
Journal Article
Bailey, Erica R., Mike W. White , Sheena Iyengar , and Modupe Akinola
. “Americans misperceive the frequency and format of political debate.”
Scientific Reports
vol.
14
, (March 06, 2024):
1
-
8
.
Explore Further about Americans misperceive the frequency and format of political debate
Journal Article
Milkman, Katherine, Mitesh Patel, Linnea Gandhi, Heather Graci, Dena Gromet, Hung Ho, Joseph Kay, Timothy Lee, and Modupe Akinola
. “A mega-study of text-based nudges encouraging patients to get vaccinated at an upcoming doctor’s appointment.”
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
vol.
118
, (May 18, 2021):
e2101165118
.
Explore Further about A mega-study of text-based nudges encouraging patients to get vaccinated at an upcoming doctor’s appointment
Journal Article
Gruber, June, Jane Mendle, Kristin Lindquist, Toni Schmader, Lee Clark, Eliza Bliss-Moreau, and Modupe Akinola
. “The future of women in psychological science.”
Perspectives on Psychological Science
vol.
16
, (September 09, 2020):
483
-
516
.
Explore Further about The future of women in psychological science
Journal Article
Castro, K.V., D.A. Edwards, Modupe Akinola , and Pranjal Mehta
. “Testosterone reactivity to competition and competitive endurance in men and women.”
Hormones & Behavior
vol.
123
, (July 01, 2020):
104665
.
Explore Further about Testosterone reactivity to competition and competitive endurance in men and women
Journal Article
Crum, A.J., J.P. Jamieson, and Modupe Akinola
. “Optimizing stress: An integrated intervention for regulating stress responses.”
Emotion
vol.
20
, (February 01, 2020):
120
-
125
.
Explore Further about Optimizing stress: An integrated intervention for regulating stress responses
Journal Article
Chang, E.H., Katherine Milkman, Dolly Chugh, and Modupe Akinola
. “Diversity thresholds: How social norms, visibility, and scrutiny relate to group composition.”
Academy of Management Journal
vol.
62
, no.
1
(February 01, 2019):
144
-
171
.
Explore Further about Diversity thresholds: How social norms, visibility, and scrutiny relate to group composition
Journal Article
Akinola, Modupe, C. Kapadia, G.J. Lu, and Malia Mason
. “Incorporating physiology into creativity research and practice: The effects of bodily stress responses on creativity in organizations.”
Academy of Management Perspectives
vol.
33(2)
, (January 01, 2019):
163
-
164
.
Explore Further about Incorporating physiology into creativity research and practice: The effects of bodily stress responses on creativity in organizations
Journal Article
Akinola, Modupe, C. Kapadia, G.J. Lu, and Malia Mason
. “Incorporating physiology into creativity research and practice: The effects of bodily stress responses on creativity in organizations.”
Academy of Management Perspectives
vol.
33
, (January 01, 2019):
163
-
184
.
Explore Further about Incorporating physiology into creativity research and practice: The effects of bodily stress responses on creativity in organizations
Journal Article
Jamieson, J.P., A.J. Crum, J.P. Goyer, M.E. Marotta, and Modupe Akinola
. “Optimizing stress responses with reappraisal and mind set interventions: An integrated model.”
Anxiety Stress & Coping
vol.
31
, (January 01, 2018):
245
-
261
.
Explore Further about Optimizing stress responses with reappraisal and mind set interventions: An integrated model
Journal Article
Akinola, Modupe, A. Martin, and K. Phillips
. “To delegate or not to delegate: Gender differences in affective associations and behavioral responses to delegation.”
Academy of Management Journal
vol.
61
, no.
4
(January 01, 2018):
1476
-
1491
.
Explore Further about To delegate or not to delegate: Gender differences in affective associations and behavioral responses to delegation
Journal Article
Akinola, Modupe, Elizabeth Page-Gould, Pranjal Mehta, and Z. Liu
. “Hormone-Diversity Fit: Collective Testosterone Moderates the Effect of Diversity on Group Performance.”
Psychological Science
vol.
29
, (January 01, 2018):
859
-
867
.
Explore Further about Hormone-Diversity Fit: Collective Testosterone Moderates the Effect of Diversity on Group Performance
Journal Article
Lu, Jackson, Modupe Akinola , and Malia Mason
. “"Switching on" creativity: Task switching can increase creativity by reducing cognitive fixation.”
Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes
vol.
139
, (March 01, 2017):
63
-
75
.
Explore Further about "Switching on" creativity: Task switching can increase creativity by reducing cognitive fixation
Journal Article
Crum, A.J., Modupe Akinola , A. Martin, and S. Fath
. “The role of stress mindset in shaping cognitive, emotional, and physiological responses to challenging and threatening stress.”
Anxiety, Stress & Coping
vol.
30
, (January 01, 2017):
379
-
395
.
Explore Further about The role of stress mindset in shaping cognitive, emotional, and physiological responses to challenging and threatening stress
Journal Article
Akinola, Modupe, Ilona Fridman, Shira Mor, Michael Morris , and Alia Crum
. “Adaptive appraisals of anxiety moderate the association between cortisol reactivity and performance in salary negotiations.”
PLOS ONE
vol.
11
, (January 01, 2016):
1
-
10
.
Explore Further about Adaptive appraisals of anxiety moderate the association between cortisol reactivity and performance in salary negotiations
Download PDF on Adaptive appraisals of anxiety moderate the association between cortisol reactivity and performance in salary negotiations
Journal Article
Akinola, Modupe, Elizabeth Page-Gould, Pranjal Mehta, and Jackson Lu
. “Collective hormonal profiles predict group performance.”
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
vol.
113
, (January 01, 2016):
9774
-
9779
.
Explore Further about Collective hormonal profiles predict group performance
Download PDF on Collective hormonal profiles predict group performance
Journal Article
Page-Gould, Elizabeth and Modupe Akinola
. “Incorporating neuroendocrine methods into intergroup relations research.”
Group Processes and Intergroup Relations
vol.
18
, (January 01, 2015):
366
-
383
.
Explore Further about Incorporating neuroendocrine methods into intergroup relations research
Journal Article
Milkman, Katherine, Modupe Akinola , and Dolly Chugh
. “What happens before? A field experiment exploring how pay and representation differentially shape bias on the pathway into organizations.”
Journal of Applied Psychology
vol.
100
, (January 01, 2015):
1678
-
1712
.
Explore Further about What happens before? A field experiment exploring how pay and representation differentially shape bias on the pathway into organizations
Download PDF on What happens before? A field experiment exploring how pay and representation differentially shape bias on the pathway into organizations
Journal Article
Muhtadie, L., Katrina Koslov, Modupe Akinola , and Wendy Berry Mendes
. “Vagal flexibility: A physiological predictor of social sensitivity.”
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
vol.
109
, (January 01, 2015):
106
-
120
.
Explore Further about Vagal flexibility: A physiological predictor of social sensitivity
Journal Article
Akinola, Modupe and Wendy Berry Mendes
. “It's Good to Be the King: Neurobiological Benefits of Higher Social Standing.”
Social Psychology and Personality Science
vol.
5
, (April 22, 2013):
43
-
51
.
Explore Further about It's Good to Be the King: Neurobiological Benefits of Higher Social Standing
Download PDF on It's Good to Be the King: Neurobiological Benefits of Higher Social Standing
Journal Article
Ayduk, Ozlem, Anett Gyurak, Modupe Akinola , and Wendy Berry Mendes
. “Consistency Over Flattery: Self-Verification Processes Revealed in Implicit and Behavioral Responses to Feedback.”
Social Psychological and Personality Science
vol.
4
, (January 07, 2013):
538
-
545
.
Explore Further about Consistency Over Flattery: Self-Verification Processes Revealed in Implicit and Behavioral Responses to Feedback
Download PDF on Consistency Over Flattery: Self-Verification Processes Revealed in Implicit and Behavioral Responses to Feedback
Journal Article
Milkman, Katherine, Modupe Akinola , and Dolly Chugh
. “Temporal Distance and Discrimination: An Audit Study in Academia.”
Psychological Science
vol.
23
, (July 01, 2012):
710
-
717
.
Explore Further about Temporal Distance and Discrimination: An Audit Study in Academia
Journal Article
Akinola, Modupe and Wendy Berry Mendes
. “Stress-induced cortisol facilitates threat-related decision making among police officers.”
Behavioral Neuroscience
vol.
126
, (January 01, 2012):
167
-
174
.
Explore Further about Stress-induced cortisol facilitates threat-related decision making among police officers
Download PDF on Stress-induced cortisol facilitates threat-related decision making among police officers
Journal Article
Akinola, Modupe
. “Measuring the pulse of an organization: Integrating physiological measures into the organizational scholar's toolbox.”
Research in Organizational Behavior
vol.
30
, (October 20, 2010):
203
-
223
.
Explore Further about Measuring the pulse of an organization: Integrating physiological measures into the organizational scholar's toolbox
Download PDF on Measuring the pulse of an organization: Integrating physiological measures into the organizational scholar's toolbox
Journal Article
Akinola, Modupe and Wendy Berry Mendes
. “The dark side of creativity: Biological vulnerability and negative emotions lead to greater artistic creativity.”
Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin
vol.
34
, (January 01, 2008):
1677
-
1686
.
Explore Further about The dark side of creativity: Biological vulnerability and negative emotions lead to greater artistic creativity
Download PDF on The dark side of creativity: Biological vulnerability and negative emotions lead to greater artistic creativity
Working Paper
Akinola, Modupe, T Opie, G Ho, S Castel, M. Unzueta, and A Brief
. Diversity isn’t what it used to be: The consequences of the broadening of diversity. January 01, 2025.
Explore Further about Diversity isn’t what it used to be: The consequences of the broadening of diversity
Working Paper
Heinemann, Zachary, Modupe Akinola , Sheena Iyengar , and Adam Galinsky
. Diversity by Design: The Role of Contact and Homophily in Determining Persistent Friendships. August 13, 2020.
Explore Further about Diversity by Design: The Role of Contact and Homophily in Determining Persistent Friendships
Working Paper
Wang, Dan, K.J. Hwang, and Modupe Akinola
. When Do Specialists Become Entrepreneurs? The Triggering Effect of Social Network Knowledge Diversity. January 01, 2019.
Explore Further about When Do Specialists Become Entrepreneurs? The Triggering Effect of Social Network Knowledge Diversity
Working Paper
Wang, Dan, Kylie Hwang, and Modupe Akinola
. When Do Specialists Become Entrepreneurs? The Triggering Effect of Social Network Knowledge Diversity. January 01, 2018.
Explore Further about When Do Specialists Become Entrepreneurs? The Triggering Effect of Social Network Knowledge Diversity
Working Paper
Overbeck, J.R., D. Meikle, and Modupe Akinola
. The Loyal Lieutenant as Kingmaker: Subtle Cues of Deference Determine Hierarchy Development. January 01, 2017.
Explore Further about The Loyal Lieutenant as Kingmaker: Subtle Cues of Deference Determine Hierarchy Development
Working Paper
Akinola, Modupe
. Seeking feedback across boundaries: Barriers for women and minorities in the workplace. January 01, 2014.
Explore Further about Seeking feedback across boundaries: Barriers for women and minorities in the workplace
Working Paper
Fridman, Ilona, Shira Mor, Modupe Akinola , and Michael Morris
. Channeling Arousal Through Altering Mindset: The Adaptive Role of Elevated Cortisol in Negotiation Outcomes. January 01, 2013.
Explore Further about Channeling Arousal Through Altering Mindset: The Adaptive Role of Elevated Cortisol in Negotiation Outcomes
Working Paper
Akinola, Modupe
. Capitalizing on Stress: Changing Mindsets to Harness the Beneficial Psychological, Physiological, and Performance Effects of Stress. January 01, 2013.
Explore Further about Capitalizing on Stress: Changing Mindsets to Harness the Beneficial Psychological, Physiological, and Performance Effects of Stress
Working Paper
Milkman, Katherine, Modupe Akinola , and Dolly Chugh
. Heterogeneity in Discrimination? A Field Experiment. January 01, 2012.
Explore Further about Heterogeneity in Discrimination? A Field Experiment
Download PDF on Heterogeneity in Discrimination? A Field Experiment
Working Paper
Akinola, Modupe, Katrina Koslov, and Wendy Berry Mendes
. Inspiration is facilitated by positive mood and vagal withdrawal. January 01, 2009.
Explore Further about Inspiration is facilitated by positive mood and vagal withdrawal
Working Paper
Akinola, Modupe and Wendy Berry Mendes
. Narcissistic tendencies and sensitivity to social feedback: An examination of cardiovascular reactivity during social evaluative situations. January 01, 2009.
Explore Further about Narcissistic tendencies and sensitivity to social feedback: An examination of cardiovascular reactivity during social evaluative situations
Working Paper
Akinola, Modupe and David Thomas
. Defining the attributes and processes that enhance the effectiveness of workforce diversity initiatives in knowledge intensive firms. January 01, 2006.
Explore Further about Defining the attributes and processes that enhance the effectiveness of workforce diversity initiatives in knowledge intensive firms
Download PDF on Defining the attributes and processes that enhance the effectiveness of workforce diversity initiatives in knowledge intensive firms
Newspaper/Magazine Article
Goyer, J.P., A.J. Crum, R. Grunberg, and Modupe Akinola
. “Thriving under pressure: The effects of stress-related wise interventions on affect, sleep, and exam performance for disadvantaged college students.”
Emotion
. December 22, 2022.
Explore Further about Thriving under pressure: The effects of stress-related wise interventions on affect, sleep, and exam performance for disadvantaged college students
Newspaper/Magazine Article
Crum, Alia, Modupe Akinola , B. Turnwald, T. Kaptchuk, and K. Hall
. “Catecho-O-methyltransferase moderates effects of stress mindset on affect and cognition.”
PLOS ONE
. January 01, 2018.
Explore Further about Catecho-O-methyltransferase moderates effects of stress mindset on affect and cognition
Download PDF on Catecho-O-methyltransferase moderates effects of stress mindset on affect and cognition
Newspaper/Magazine Article
Crum, A.J., D.J. Phillips, J.P. Goyer, Modupe Akinola , and E. Tory Higgins
. “Transforming Water: Social Influence Moderates Psychological, Physiological, and Functional Response to a Placebo Product.”
PLOS ONE
. January 01, 2016.
Explore Further about Transforming Water: Social Influence Moderates Psychological, Physiological, and Functional Response to a Placebo Product
Chapter
Rosette, A.S., Modupe Akinola , and Anyi Ma
. “Subtle Discrimination in the Workplace: Individual-Level Factors and Processes.” In
The Oxford Handbook of Workplace Discrimination
, edited by
Adrienne J. Colella and Eden B. King
,
New York
:
Oxford University Press
, 2018.
Explore Further about Subtle Discrimination in the Workplace: Individual-Level Factors and Processes
  • Courses
  • Case Studies
Course
B7583: Executive Ethics
View Course on Executive Ethics
Course
B8520: Success, Satisfaction & Sustainability
View Course on Success, Satisfaction & Sustainability
Course
B6500: Lead: People, Teams, Organizations
View Course on Lead: People, Teams, Organizations
Course
B8772: Global Immersion: Lessons from Rwanda on Conflict, Leadership, and Business Opportunities
View Course on Global Immersion: Lessons from Rwanda on Conflict, Leadership, and Business Opportunities
Case Study
Akinola, Modupe
. ClothingCo: Redesigning the Sleepwear Business (A). 
New York
:
CaseWorks
, 2009.
Explore Further about ClothingCo: Redesigning the Sleepwear Business (A)
Download PDF on ClothingCo: Redesigning the Sleepwear Business (A)
Case Study
Akinola, Modupe
. ClothingCo: Redesigning the Sleepwear Business (B). 
New York
:
CaseWorks
, 2009.
Explore Further about ClothingCo: Redesigning the Sleepwear Business (B)
Download PDF on ClothingCo: Redesigning the Sleepwear Business (B)
  • Awards & Honors
  • In the Media
  • Articles
In the Media

If You’ve Got Vacation Time, Use It. It Could Save Your Life.

Boston Globe
In the Media

Maximize Your Commute: 12 Podcasts for Ceo’s

Entrepreneur
In the Media

How Women's Reluctance to Delegate Can Hurt Their Careers: The Broadsheet

Fortune
In the Media

Women Are Less Likely to Delegate Than Men-and That Might Hurt Their Careers

The Wall Street Journal
In the Media

Manage your ego — and more advice for MBA students

Financial Times
Article

The Look of a Leader: How Bias Guides Our Image of Leaders

Read More about The Look of a Leader: How Bias Guides Our Image of Leaders
Article

Clara Wu Tsai, New York’s Champion

Read More about Clara Wu Tsai, New York’s Champion
Article

Political Debates Aren’t as Bleak as You Might Think

Read More about Political Debates Aren’t as Bleak as You Might Think
Article

The True Face of Political Debate: Why It’s More Positive Than You Think

Read More about The True Face of Political Debate: Why It’s More Positive Than You Think
Article

Why Political Debates Are Less Bitter and More Constructive than Most People Think

Read More about Why Political Debates Are Less Bitter and More Constructive than Most People Think
Article

Reality Check: Americans Misjudge Political Debates, New Research Reveals

Read More about Reality Check: Americans Misjudge Political Debates, New Research Reveals
Article

Business Ethics Prize Goes to Delta CEO Ed Bastian

Read More about Business Ethics Prize Goes to Delta CEO Ed Bastian
Article

Elevating Stories of Black Excellence

Read More about Elevating Stories of Black Excellence
Article

Bringing DEI into the Core of our Institutions

Read More about Bringing DEI into the Core of our Institutions
Article

Professor Akinola Tests Chris Hemsworth’s Limits (Yes, that Chris Hemsworth!)

Read More about Professor Akinola Tests Chris Hemsworth’s Limits (Yes, that Chris Hemsworth!)
Article

Helping a Superhero Manage Stress

Read More about Helping a Superhero Manage Stress
Article

The Intersection of Business, Politics, and Society: A Conversation with Valerie Jarrett

Read More about The Intersection of Business, Politics, and Society: A Conversation with Valerie Jarrett
Article

Developing Quality Conversations About Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

Read More about Developing Quality Conversations About Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
Article

Modupe Akinola Appointed Director of the Bernstein Center for Leadership and Ethics

Read More about Modupe Akinola Appointed Director of the Bernstein Center for Leadership and Ethics
Article

Can Zoom Be a Tool for Teaching Anti-Racism?

Read More about Can Zoom Be a Tool for Teaching Anti-Racism?
Article

Enabling Productive Thinking to Develop Gender Balance

Read More about Enabling Productive Thinking to Develop Gender Balance
Article

Integrating Diversity Into Business Education

Read More about Integrating Diversity Into Business Education
Article

School Welcomes New Faculty Members

Read More about School Welcomes New Faculty Members
  • CaseWorks
Case ID
230403

Beyond the US: Examples of Inequality from a Global Perspective

What are the different forms of inequality and oppression that a business student can expect to find around the world?

View Case on Beyond the US: Examples of Inequality from a Global Perspective
Case ID
170407

Strathmore Medical College

How can two medical students with different goals negotiate to optimize their joint rotation assignments?

View Case on Strathmore Medical College
Case ID
140404

The Janesville Plant Seeking a Just Decision

View Case on The Janesville Plant Seeking a Just Decision
Case ID
90423

ClothingCo: Redesigning the Sleepwear Business

How should a mid-level retail executive motivate the research team to engage in an important project--and then secure buy-in for his proposal from top management?

View Case on ClothingCo: Redesigning the Sleepwear Business

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