The Kabiller Science of Empathy Prize
The Kabiller Science of Empathy Prize celebrates Kellogg’s strength in and rigorous approach to empathy.
Awarded biennially, the prize is intended to advance the understanding of empathy and its consequences. The prize will be awarded to a Kellogg faculty member who has conducted novel research that advances analytical and rigorous critical thinking about human empathy, understanding and trust. In addition, the prize will also recognize a Kellogg alum who leads with exceptional empathy and has thought deeply about how to include empathy in their management style.
We would like to congratulate the inaugural prize recipients:
Faculty Recipient
Nicole Stephens, Jeanne Brett Chair, Professor of Management & Organizations, Kellogg; Professor of Psychology, Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences (Courtesy). Nicole was selected for her research on how observed differences in educational achievement and work opportunities across various social groups arise and persist, leading to systematic inequalities across those groups. Her overarching hypothesis is that a first-order reason for such persistent differences is the lack of understanding of the respective “cultural divides” characteristic of the salient social groups.
About the donor
Of his gift, David Kabiller said, “Empathy is critical in the business world today, from client relationships to nurturing talent at every level of your organization. Kellogg has always been the leading school that has embraced empathy as core to its culture and curriculum. I hope this award, the research and the conference, will further our collective understanding of the role empathy has in sustaining an innovative capitalistic society with a heart.”
To learn more about David, watch Kellogg’s "Conversations with Distinguished Alumni" interview with him and Dean Francesca Cornelli.
WATCH THE DAVID KABILLER INTERVIEW
Alumni Recipient
Michael George ’83, ’85 MBA, President & CEO, Qurate Retail, Inc. Mike embodies our Kellogg culture of empathic, values-based leadership. Over the past 16 years, Mike has used a low-ego, high-impact leadership style to transform QVC into Qurate Retail, a Fortune 500 video commerce leader with seven brands. Along the way, Mike guided the company through a rigorous reflection on its shared mission and values, creating Qurate Retail’s Purpose and Principles (which include “Act With Empathy”). He also championed the expansion of Qurate Retail’s corporate responsibility program, with specific goals for protecting the environment, championing empowerment and belonging, and curating products responsibly. Mike’s career reflects his deep commitment to acting with integrity, inspiring his team, and striving to create positive change for the communities his business touches.
To learn more about Mike, watch Kellogg’s "Conversations with Distinguished Alumni" interview with him about these values and how Qurate Retail navigated the pandemic.
Watch the Mike George Interview
See all Conversations with Distinguished Alumni
FAQs
Why was this prize created?
Kellogg’s focus on empathy is based on science and rigorous and critical thinking. We focus on empathy as a way to understand the intangible elements that make a process, an institution or an equilibrium more effective.
The goal of the Kabiller Science of Empathy Prize is to celebrate Kellogg’s strengths in and rigorous approach to empathy, while stimulating new research. The prize has been made possible by the generosity of David G. Kabiller ’85, ’87 MBA.
How were the winners selected?
For the alumni winner, Kellogg collected nominations from the alumni community. A small committee from the school then selected a recipient.
The faculty winner was selected by a committee of faculty members.
How are the prize winners recognized?
The faculty recipient also receives a grant to support research on empathy and has the opportunity to help shape a biennial conference in the science of empathy, attracting world-class academics from other top universities.
The alumni prize is non-monetary.
Thought Leadership on Empathy
Why Bosses Cut Some Employees Slack for Unethical Behavior
When and how managers may respond differently to employee behavior, based on the research of Yajun Zhang, Kai Chi Yam, Maryam Kouchaki and Junwei Zhang
Why Leaders Should Nurture Their “Social–Emotional Intelligence”
Four helpful skills to diffuse conflict, as defined by Brooke Vuckovic
How Much Empathy Do You Feel When Powerful People Suffer?
Surprising insights based on how people are driven to empathize, based on the research of Brian Lucas and Nour Kteily
I (Don’t) Feel Your Pain
The complications of finding and expressing empathy in the workplace, based on the research of Rachel Ruttan, Mary Hunter-McDonnell, and Loran Nordgren
Emotional Intelligence Is Key to Strong Leadership. Here’s How to Sharpen Yours
Key tips for business leaders on the importance of emotional intelligence, from Brenda Ellington Booth
Could Bringing Your “Whole Self” to Work Curb Unethical Behavior?
Valuable insights on integrating your professional and personal identities, based on the research of Mahdi Ebrahimi, Maryam Kouchaki and Vanessa Patrick-Ralhan
Are You Giving All of Your Employees an Equal Chance to Succeed?
Read or listen to this article on the next steps you can take to achieve a truly inclusive workplace, as defined by Nicole Stephens
Downplaying Social Pain
Read or listen to this article on the true effects of social rejection, based on the research of Loran Nordgren, Kasia Banas and Geoff McDonald