Photo caption: Dr Kseniia Zharai’s was awarded first prize in the category of Early Career Researcher in the Aotearoa Business and Economic Research Translation Competition for her research titled, Either You Control Social Media or Social Media Controls You.
As the first South Island university to host the event, UC welcomed researchers from the Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Massey University, Lincoln University, University of Auckland and Victoria University of Wellington, as well as guests from Waitaha Canterbury.
The competition allows researchers to demonstrate the relevance of their research and articulate their resulting knowledge in ways that are accessible and understandable to general audiences, within 750 words. It also aims to promote the impact of New Zealand business research to stakeholders while enhancing scholars’ skills and confidence in communicating their research to wider, non-academic audiences.
Attendees were welcomed by Lyndon Waaka (Kaiārahi Māori), who extended a special thanks to those who travelled from out of town. UC Law graduate Steven Moe, a partner with Parry Field Lawyers, delivered a keynote speech on how the seeds of discovery planted through research can grow into impactful change. He emphasised the role of storytelling in sharing these ideas to reach wider audiences.
Following Steven’s keynote, the competition winners and runners-up presented their winning papers and received awards from the judges and Associate Professor Sarah Wright, Associate Dean of Research, UC Business School. The event concluded with a panel discussion including Associate Deans of Research from three other New Zealand Business Schools, who shared their insights on research impact.
UC’s Dr Kseniia Zahrai won the Early Career Researcher Award while Dr Nadeera Ranabahu was awarded runner up. The award recognises researchers who have earned their PhD’s no longer than eight years ago.
Dr Kseniia Zahrai’s research, Either You Control Social Media or Social Media Controls You, delved into society’s use of social media and how explicit and implicit attitudes influence the impulsive behaviours that come from extensive use. Read more about Dr Zahrai’s research here.
Dr Nadeera Ranabahu’s research outlined a “Catch-22” scenario involving financial technology, poverty, and entrepreneurship. She examined how financial technology organisations address challenges associated with poverty. It also explored how the poor, despite lacking access to FinTech, face the paradox of needing money to gain access while simultaneously requiring it to earn an income.
The competition’s full list of awards and recipients are as followed:
Early career researcher:
Winner – Dr Kseniia Zahrai (Business School, University of Canterbury)
Either You Control Social Media or Social Media Controls You
Runner-up – Dr Nadeera Ranabahu (Business School, University of Canterbury)
A Catch-22? Financial Technology, Poverty, and Entrepreneurship
Māori/Pacific researcher:
Winner – Maulupeivao Dr Betty Ofe-Grant (Business School, AUT)
Inclusive HR Career Development Strategies for Samoans and Pacific Peoples Working in New Zealand
Runner up – Professor Jarrod Haar (Business School, Massey University)
All of One – One for All? Cultural Diversity Initiatives Benefit All Employees
Mid-career and senior researcher:
Winner - Dr Johnny Chan (Business School, University of Auckland)
Unmasking Online Hate: How AI Helps Spot Hidden Toxicity
Runner-up (Joint Acknowledgment)
Dr Ranjana Gupta (Business School, AUT)
Removing GST on fresh produce won’t help those most in need – a targeted approach works better
Dr Andreas Drechsler (Wellington School of Business and Government, Victoria University of Wellington)
The Fractional Chief Information Officer – a novel means for small organisations to keep up with the digital age?
