Two Professors from the Leavey School of Business have recently received grants for their work from the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, according to a press release from the school. The Markkula Center promotes the study of ethics in relation to both personal and professional life, with an emphasis on practical tools for ethical living and action. The grants are funded by an endowment from Michael and Joan Hackworth. Michael Hackworth is well-known for serving CEO and President of Cirrus Logic as well as being an important early investor and philanthropic force in Silicon Valley.
Hoje Jo, Gerald and Bonita Wilkinson Professor of Finance, was awarded $2500 for his project called “Seeking Legitimacy through CSR: Evidence from Controversial Industries.” The grant will help fund further research into how certain industries like alcohol, tobacco, and gambling will use ideas of “corporate responsibility” to improve their public image. Jo will use the grant for travel and associated expenses required to attend a conference where he will present his research. Holding a BA in Chinese Literature from Seoul National University as well as an MBA in Finance from SUNY Buffalo, Jo’s research tends to focus around the topics of corporate, international, venture capital, entrepreneurial finance, and corporate social responsibility.
William Sundstrom, Professor of Economics, was awarded $3600 for his project “Santa Clara Income and Poverty Studies (SCIPS) Initiative.” The funds will be used for student assistants to conduct background research into data sources, analysis, and preliminary construction of a website that will contain data related to poverty, income inequality, and economic justice in Silicon Valley. Sundstrom’s research focuses around the ideas of poverty and inequality, the economic history of labor markets, education, and the economics of race and gender.