This course offers a comprehensive examination of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) within organizational contexts, focusing on practical strategies for fostering inclusive environments and driving positive change. Furthermore, this course provides working professionals with frameworks and tools to understand and leverage motivational factors in promoting inclusive workplaces. Through a blend of behavioral economics, psychology, and organizational theory, students examine how diverse perspectives and inclusive practices can enhance the effectiveness of incentive systems and drive value creation within organizations. Through case studies, interactive discussions, and practical exercises, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to foster inclusive environments, leverage diversity for organizational success, and design incentive systems that promote value creation while embracing the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Samantha is a behavioral scientist, earning her Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior (Micro) at Harvard Business School. Her research examines employees' strategic decisions under competition. Her work also examines how to harness diverse talent effectively, driving greater talent attraction and retention.
Previously, she worked as a Behavioral Research Fellow at the Kellogg School of Management and earned her AB in psychology with minors in neuroscience and cognitive science from Princeton University. Her work has been published in top conference and field journals, including the Academy of Management Proceedings and the Journal of Medical Imaging.
By combining her expertise in behavioral science with rigorous research methodologies, Samantha consults on practical, data-driven solutions that optimize human capital outcomes from both an employee and managerial perspective.
Previously, she worked as a Behavioral Research Fellow at the Kellogg School of Management and earned her AB in psychology with minors in neuroscience and cognitive science from Princeton University. Her work has been published in top conference and field journals, including the Academy of Management Proceedings and the Journal of Medical Imaging.
By combining her expertise in behavioral science with rigorous research methodologies, Samantha consults on practical, data-driven solutions that optimize human capital outcomes from both an employee and managerial perspective.
- Journal Articles
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- Haygood, Tamara M., Samantha N. Smith, and Jia Sun. "Memory Bias in Observer-Performance Literature." Art. 031412. Journal of Medical Imaging 5, no. 3 (July–September 2018). View Details
- Cases and Teaching Materials
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- Sucher, Sandra J., and Samantha N. Smith. "Boeing's Turbulent Trajectory: A Timeline of Compounding Crises and Broken Trust (January 2020 - September 2024)." Harvard Business School Case 325-094, March 2025. View Details
- Presentations
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- Smith, Samantha N., Edward H. Chang, Erika L. Kirgios, and Katherine L. Milkman. "Workplace Competition and the Desire for Uniqueness." In Work. Paper presented at the Society for Judgment and Decision Making Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, 2022. View Details
- Smith, Samantha N., Edward H. Chang, Erika L. Kirgios, and Katherine L. Milkman. "Organizational Competition: A Catalyst for Workplace Diversity and Desires for Uniqueness." In The Consequences of Competition in Organizations. Paper presented at the Academy of Management Annual Meeting, Joint Symposium, Seattle, WA, USA, 2022. View Details
- Teaching
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- Awards & Honors
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Selected as a Research Fellow at ghSMART in 2025.
- Area of Study