Cambridge, MA— In an unprecedented move, Harvard University has revoked the tenure and terminated the employment of a prominent behavioral scientist at Harvard Business School, following a comprehensive investigation into allegations of data fabrication in her research on honesty and ethical behavior. This marks the first time since at least the 1940s that Harvard has stripped a faculty member of tenure, underscoring the severity of the misconduct findings.
Key Facts:
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Tenure Revocation: First such action by Harvard since the 1940s.
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Salary Details: Gino earned over $1 million annually in 2018 and 2019.
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Legal Action: Gino filed a $25 million lawsuit against Harvard and others; defamation claims dismissed in 2024.
The controversy began in 2021 when the blog Data Colada raised concerns about a 2012 study co-authored by Gino, suggesting that signing honesty pledges at the beginning of forms reduced dishonest behavior. Subsequent investigations revealed manipulated data in at least four of her studies, leading to retractions and a formal inquiry by Harvard.
In 2023, Harvard placed Gino on unpaid administrative leave and initiated a thorough review, which included forensic analysis of her research data. The investigation concluded that Gino had engaged in research misconduct, leading to the revocation of her tenure and termination of her position.
Gino has denied the allegations, attributing the data issues to errors by research assistants or potential sabotage. She filed a $25 million lawsuit against Harvard and the Data Colada bloggers, alleging defamation and breach of contract. In 2024, a federal judge dismissed the defamation claims but allowed the breach of contract claim to proceed.
Do You Know? Francesca Gino's research on honesty and ethical behavior had a significant influence, with over 140 published articles and collaborations with major corporations and government agencies.
Key Terms:
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Tenure: A permanent academic appointment that provides job security and protects academic freedom.
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Research Misconduct: Fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in conducting or reporting research.
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Data Colada: A blog by behavioral scientists that critiques and analyzes research practices in social sciences.