The economic sciences in Göttingen methodologically trace all decisions and actions back to the preferences of the individual. Consequently, research focuses on the sovereign, even decisive actor, e.g. as consumer or entrepreneur. These individuals drive development and change processes in order to find and implement novel solutions to social problems. This basic idea of an enlightened, responsible innovation activity of economic actors (individuals or organizations), "Responsible Innovation", forms the guiding principle of the Faculty of Business and Economics in research and teaching. The model of the enlightened individual has effects on various levels, namely on the institutional, market, business and economic levels as well as on the global economic level. These effects are the subject of the research activities of the Faculty of Business and Economics. The researchers work on their research topics using a variety of econometric and experimental research methods on the one hand and formal analytical modelling approaches on the other. The faculty bundles its versatile, interdisciplinary research activities in three main areas: "Governance and Compliance", "Marketing and Consumer Science" and "Global Change and Development". The research focus of the Governance and Compliance Group deals with the conception and impact of institutions in relation to organizational management. Corporate governance is a prime example as it deals with questions relating to sustainability and responsible corporate management. Furthermore the framework of governance affects the implementation of legal norms. These formal legal norms, as well as organizational rules (such as company statutes or remuneration systems), rely on behavioural control which is in turn integrated into behavioural modeling. Thereby all economic actors require an insight into the behaviour of competitors, employees, customers or shareholders, in order to evaluate the altered framework conditions and to reorient strategies. The "Homo Oeconomicus" design is a behavioural model that empirically examines and adjusts the methodology according to the varying conduct of actors. The methods implemented in this department range from statistical-econometric studies of large data sets, to experimental studies that analyze the behaviour and motivation of actors. Furthermore within behavioural economics, alternative behavioural models are tested using game theory experiments. For these experiments, the faculty has set up the Göttingen Laboratory of Behavioral Economics, headed by the Professor of Microeconomics, Dr. Claudia Keser. Within Governance, compliance is of particular interest as it examines how actors analyze the proposals of governmental and supranational processes, as well as those developed through voluntary or (mandatory) mergers. For example within a company this could be the implementation of fair compensation schemes, or an ecologically and ethnically sustainable purchasing and production policy. Another core area of research entails the normative development of institutions based on the principle of "Responsible Innovation" and the ensuing empirical approaches. The research focus of the Marketing and Consumer Science Group considers all company activities that result in products and services developed for consumer consumption. On the one hand, scientists working in this research field are focused upon the cross-company design of value chains, as the specialization of these activities have on the rise. This includes everything from the raw material supplier to the end customer. All levels of the value-added chain contribute to the notion of "Responsible Innovation", as it benefits all social stakeholders in the long term. On the other hand, researchers are developing approaches for the holistic analysis of markets, including the establishment of exchange relations with value-added partners (customers, suppliers and investors) and social stakeholders (public and state institutions, non-governmental organizations). Given the complexity of the value chains affected by increasing demand for sustainable development, current research focuses on optimization and adaptation of resource-efficient yet profitable strategies. Furthermore, researchers examine the impact consumer behaviour has on purchasing, decision-making and information management. As a consequence, researchers are interested in the new forms of communication and interaction processes that have emerged through the advancements in digitalization. Additionally, dynamic methods are being researched to help transform seemingly chaotic data, which is formed through real-world and digital consumer interactions, in order to obtain valuable consumer behaviour knowledge. The research focus of the Global Change and Development Group deals with global economy transformation processes, in particular the problems facing low-income countries. The area of Development is not only unique within Germany, but also includes a highly quantitative method orientation. The central theme within Development is the expansion and review of measures aimed at achieving the "Sustainable Development Goals" set out by the UN General Assembly in 2016, with a proposed implantation date by 2030. These goals include overcoming extreme poverty and hunger, the improvement of education and healthcare systems and responsible management of the environment. Other important areas are comparative and development research, which examines the determining factors of long-term economic development, and global health. Additional research topics include how demographic trends impact a countries economic performance, the causes and consequences of climate change, and the analysis of global trade relations. The three major research areas are complemented by 'cross-sectional' areas that include business information systems, business and human resource education, economic and social history as well as statistics and econometrics. All research areas and cross-sections of the Faculty provide networking possibilities with other scientific disciplines. Additionally, the boundaries between the research areas are permeable, allowing scientists of different focal points to cooperate with one another across various collaborative projects.
Responsible Innovation
All projects within this field are based on theoretically founded and empirical supported research that furthers the understanding of entrepreneurial as well as social and political decision-making processes.
Governance and Compliance
Marketing and Consumer Science
Global Change and Development
Cross-sectional Areas