Mark Ma is currently an associate professor of business administration at the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to the University of Pittsburgh, he worked at the American University in Washington DC. He holds a PhD in business administration degree with a specialization in accounting from the University of Oklahoma. His current research focuses on several important social and economic issues, including future of work, diversity and inclusion, income inequity, artificial intelligence, corporate financial reporting and tax evasion. He has published more than 10 academic studies in leading business research journals. His research and him have been reported by various national and international news outlets, including NBC news, CBS News, ABC News, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, NPR, Fortune, Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, Forbes, Inc. Magazine, BBC News, Financial Times, The Guardian, Australian Financial Review, and The National News.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Higher Education Digest, Mark shared his professional trajectory, significant career milestones, personal role model, the secret mantra behind his successful career in research, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Mark. Can you tell us about your professional background and areas of interest?
I hold a PhD degree in Business Administration with specialization in accounting from the University of Oklahoma and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Beijing Normal University. Currently, I am an Associate Professor of Business Administration and the Ben Fryrear Early Career Faculty Fellow at the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to my current position, I worked at the American University in Washington DC. I am passionate about addressing real world social and economic issues through my research. My current research focuses on future of work issues and how firms can develop a flexible, inclusive, sustainable and happy (FISH) workplace. My prior research examines other important issues including how governments can leverage geographic financial disclosure and information exchange to combat aggressive corporate tax avoidance.
Brief us about the programs taught by you at the University of Pittsburgh. How do the courses/programs prepare students for the needs of modern society with practical learning for the real world?
I teach both undergraduate and graduate business courses at the University of Pittsburgh. To prepare my students for the needs of modern society, I incorporate cutting edge research findings into my course materials. As an example, I use one of my recent studies as an example to explain how firms can use artificial intelligence to make better earnings forecasts. Such forecasts lay the foundation for corporate budgeting and strategic planning. I also use my other research as an example to explain how firms can develop an inclusive and equitable work environment for everyone by tying management compensation to social goals.
You hold a PhD in business administration with a specialization in accounting from the University of Oklahoma. What fascinated you about this subject?
I was attracted to the research area because I like to think about fundamental issues that affect our society and economy. Accounting is about how firms measure and report information to inside and outside information users. Traditionally, accounting research focuses on the financial aspects of information reporting. But more and more new research studies are starting to look at how better accounting can help address social issues. For example, in an ongoing project, we examine how California’s new mandatory environmental reporting requirement affects firms’ stock market performance.
What are some of the roadblocks that you faced in your career? Do you have some examples to share on overcoming them?
My career was significantly affected by the Covid Pandemic from 2020, when I was still an assistant professor and faced very strong tenure pressure. A lot of day care centers were closed at the beginning of the Pandemic, and my son had to stay at home. It was a difficult time for me to both do my university job and take care of my young child at the same time. In order to balance everything, I adjusted my work schedule to improve my efficiency. I plan a to-do list every night for the next day. I always prioritize the most important tasks on the to-do list in the morning when I can be more focused.
In your opinion, what are the most important qualities a professor should have in today’s AI-driven era?
I think the most important qualities a professor should have in today’s AI-driven era is the ability to adapt to change and think creatively. AI can do repetitive and routine tasks better than human beings. But AI relies on big data to learn the patterns in historical data. For new and unique issues, AI does not have big data to learn from. Thus, there are opportunities for humans to contribute. Professors need to realize this upcoming big change due to the development of AI and embrace this change rather than resisting it. Professors need to help students think more creatively to address unique and new issues.
What has been your most career-defining moment that you are proud of?
From December of 2023, my coauthored study on return to office mandates attracted a lot of media and public attention. I always hope that my study can contribute to making the workplace better for everyone. Returning to the office and workplace flexibility are important social issues that affect millions of people. I am proud that my study contributes to this important debate.
How do you define success? What is your take on the ways to achieve long-term success?
As a business professor, success means that I have made meaningful contributions to the development of the economy and society. Professors can achieve such long-term success through helping students better understand the academic subjects in the classroom and making an impact on real business issues. For example, our research may be cited to support important business regulations or important business decisions by firms.
Who is the one person you look up to and why?
I have a lot of respect for my doctoral advisor, Professor Wayne Thomas. He sets a very good example for business professors. He is a great teacher and has his own textbooks. He is also an excellent researcher who works on important business issues. Most importantly, he is a great person who is always willing to help students, colleagues and others.
You have published more than 10 academic studies in leading business research journals and your research has been reported by various national and international news outlets, including NBC news, CBS News, ABC News, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal to name a few. What is the secret mantra behind your successful career in research?
I think it is very important to work on timely and relevant issues that the real business world cares about. The ultimate goal of business research should be to change the real business world and change how the economy works. Only if we work on timely and relevant issues, we can inform real business debates and help businesses make better decisions.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I hope I can continue to work on research that informs important social and economic issues.
As a seasoned researcher, what do you think will be the big and exciting areas in business administration in the next five years?
I think an exciting area in business administration is the future of work. Businesses and the economy are facing many upcoming challenges brought about by social changes and the development of technology. For example, the development of AI will represent a fundamental challenge to many companies and workers. Also, in many countries, the workforce is more diver than ever. Our research needs to help firms and regulators better understand how to address these challenges and a flexible, inclusive, sustainable and happy (FISH) work environment.