Authenticity

Our research in Authenticity examines the nuanced concept of what it means to be "authentic," exploring how it is constructed and perceived across different contexts. We investigate three primary dimensions of authenticity: the alignment between an entity's internal values and external expressions, the adherence to social category norms, and the perceived connection to a person, place, or time. Our work investigates how these dimensions influence judgments of authenticity in both individuals and organizations. For example, our studies demonstrate that organizations spanning multiple categories, such as those merging social and commercial goals, often face increased scrutiny and skepticism regarding their authenticity, especially when they deviate from established norms. Furthermore, we explore the valuation of originality in art, identifying psychological factors such as the perceived uniqueness of creative acts and the physical link to the artist as key drivers of the premium placed on original works. Through this research, we aim to deepen the understanding of authenticity and its implications for trust, credibility, and success in various social and professional areas. 

Sample Publications

A matter of transition: Authenticity judgments and attracting employees to hybridized organizations.

Radoynovska, N., & Ruttan, R. (2023). A matter of transition: Authenticity judgments and attracting employees to hybridized organizations. Organization Science, 34(6), 2373-2391.

The (bounded) role of stated-lived value congruence and authenticity in employee evaluations of organizations.

Pamphile, V., D., & Ruttan, R. (2023). The (bounded) role of stated-lived value congruence and authenticity in employee evaluations of organizations. Organization Science, 34(6), 2332-2351.

Authenticity.

Lehman, D. W., O’Connor, K., Kovács, B., & Newman, G. E. (2019). Authenticity. Academy of Management Annals, 13(1), 1-42.

Art and authenticity: The importance of originals in judgments of value. 

Newman, G. E., & Bloom, P. (2012). Art and authenticity: the importance of originals in judgments of value. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 141(3), 558.