Prof. Dr. Anastasia Danilov

The Future of Work

How can cooperation among employees be increased and how do people react to certain incentives or organisational structures? These and other questions on employee behaviour are at the heart of Prof. Dr. Anastasia Danilov's research. As of April 1, 2019, she holds the professorship of "Organizational Economics – The Future of Work" at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Einstein Center Digital Future (ECDF). Anastasia Danilov studied Business Administration at the University of Cologne with a focus on Human Resources, Finance and Statistics and at the same time obtained a Master's in International Management (CEMS) at the Copenhagen Business School in Denmark. She received her doctorate from Professor Dr. Dirk Sliwka, one of the most renowned German human resources researchers, in Cologne. After completing her doctorate, Anastasia Danilov devoted herself to topics in the field of business ethics.

"In my research I deal with questions of personnel and organizational economics. Using economic experiments, I investigate the effect of different forms of remuneration, incentive systems and social norms on individual work performance and on counterproductive behaviour, such as sabotage or lies," says the Ukrainian-born researcher. In a current project, she is investigating discrimination against disadvantaged groups. Her experiments show that unequal treatment is avoided if it endangers one's own positive image or positive self-image. If, however, the test persons can attribute their motives to compliance with moral or social norms, it is much easier for discrimination to occur.

 "Digitalization changes working conditions, but also management structures and forms of motivation. Some control mechanisms and incentive instruments are losing their efficiency. The personal responsibility and commitment of employees are becoming more and more decisive. How can companies support and promote the motivation of their employees in the changing world of work? The scientist would like to pursue this question further.

 "The connection to the ECDF appeals to me above all because of the unique environment that makes interdisciplinary cooperation possible. I am pleased that behavioural and personnel economics, together with other scientific disciplines, have a place in shaping the future," says Anastasia Danilov. (kj)