Status-Amplified Deterrence: Paul Manafort’s Prosecution Under the Foreign Agents Registration Act
Social control agents often struggle to deter organizational deviance. We propose a theory of “status-amplified deterrence” wherein enforcement’s deterrent effects are amplified when carried out against high-status organizational actors. First, this enforcement is interpreted as willingness and ability for far-reaching enforcement. Next, amplified deterrence occurs as these episodes become widely known through (1) extensive media coverage and (2) the marketing efforts of third-party compliance advisors. We examine this theory in the context of the U.S.
Smith Students Gain Graduate-Level Edge in Data-Driven Decision Making
University of Maryland professors Dave Waguespack and Evan Starr developed “Making Better Business Decisions with Data,” a course teaching undergraduates causal inference and AI-aided data analysis for strategic decision-making, preparing them for graduate studies, internships, and data-driven careers.
Smith Research Recognized for ‘Potential to Create Positive Societal Changes’
Doctoral student Eunseong Jang at the Smith School developed new statistical models to expand incomplete datasets, giving law enforcement and policymakers tools to fight drug trafficking. His NSF-funded research, guided by Margret Bjarnadottir and S. Raghu Raghavan, earned a $6,000 award for its societal impact.
Ambassador’s Visit Launches Effort to Build a Bridge Between Nigeria and Smith
The Smith School hosted Nigeria’s acting ambassador, Samson Itegboje, to strengthen partnerships benefiting students. Leaders discussed collaboration in AI, healthcare, and business. Nigerian students’ contributions were celebrated, and the visit highlighted opportunities for cultural exchange, research, internships, and global cooperation between institutions.
The ‘Infinite Workday’
The 2025 Work Trend Index highlights the rise of the “infinite workday,” with evening meetings boosting productivity but risking burnout. Smith School’s Nicole Coomber stresses employee agency, recommending agendas, alternatives like meeting-free days, and balance to protect well-being and retention.
Smith Launches Career Boutique and Wellness Room to Empower Student Success
The Robert H. Smith School of Business, in partnership with Enterprise Mobility Foundation, has launched a new co-curricular initiative aimed at helping students dress for success—literally. The Enterprise Mobility Foundation Career Boutique and Wellness Room, located in Van Munching Hall, is a donation-based resource that provides free professional attire to Smith School and BSE (Business, Society and Entrepreneurship) Scholars preparing for interviews, job fairs, and new career opportunities.
Strong Showing of Smith Scholars at Annual Academy of Management Meeting
Twenty-six scholars from Maryland Smith’s Management and Organization department participated in 22 presentations at the 2024 Academy of Management Meeting in Copenhagen. Three faculty members—Rajshree Agarwal, Hui Liao, and Alyssa Tedder-King—received prestigious awards recognizing their research and teaching excellence.
Why Managers Reject Great Ideas
Managers often overlook employee innovations due to risk aversion. Smith researchers Vijaya Venkataramani and Kay Bartol found diverse networks—both managerial and employee—help ideas gain credibility and traction, fostering an environment where innovation is more likely to succeed.
Moments of Impact
Smith faculty are shaping policy, business and society through influential research and public service. From AI and insurance reform to pay equity and public pensions, they’re winning top awards and earning national recognition for impact and innovation across disciplines.
Agarwal Honored for Her Mentorship of PhD Students
Rajshree Agarwal, Smith’s Rudolph Lamone Chair in Strategy and Entrepreneurship, earned the 2025 STR Outstanding Educator Award for mentoring PhD students and leading research-driven programs for high schoolers, undergraduates, and executive MBAs at the Snider Center.