Tag Archives: behavioural science

Culture

eBay Canada Set Sights On Kijiji Shoppers With Test Integration Project

Leave a comment

Back in 2017, eBay Canada and Kijiji Canada launched a test to bring increased visibility to Canadian eBay inventory: eBay listings for certain items located in Canada were integrated into search results on Kijiji – the #1 classifieds site in the country. Kijiji buyers were given the opportunity to connect with relevant eBay inventory, and eBay sellers were able to gain exposure to Kijiji’s more than 16 million unique monthly visitors.

Listing Ads Served Within Listing Ads

This inventory integration project was part of ongoing global efforts to create synergies across eBay Inc.’s businesses.

Canadian eBay sellers were asked to keep the following in mind regarding the inventory integration test:

#1. It was a test. We were adjusting listing integration parameters based on a variety of criteria – including Kijiji buyer behaviour and eBay listing performance – to ensure we are delivering the best possible experience for eBay sellers and Kijiji buyers. This test would evolve based on our learnings.

#2. The test was small-scale. Only one or two eBay items were shown in any given Kijiji result set, and only for selected searches.

#3. eBay sellers did not need to do anything at the time. eBay listings for inventory located in Canada were automatically made eligible for exposure in Kijiji search results. There was no opt-in process required; there were no additional fees required; and there were no account settings that needed to be adjusted.

Fast forward to today- if you are a Kijiji Canada user you may be surprised by how many eBay ads are now served as the test is now a permanent fixture. For the Silo, Russ Patterson, COO and Director of Product Management, eBay Canada.

Supplemental- Collectibles market has been hit hard.

Mr. Thrifter: eBay vs craigslist vs kijiji vs Amazon – Where should I sell my stuff?

Culture

On Demand Car Services Are Latest Group To Take Heat Over Discrimination

Leave a comment

Discrimination. African American customers wait up to 35% longer for Uber and Lyft rides, in addition to drivers cancelling rides 2x as often for customers with “black-sounding” names.3

[To be fair, a quick search engine result for “racism in the Taxi industry” reveals that discrimination exists in all ride service industries regardless of the company. CP]

New studies have found that the cost of this type of discrimination can run companies up to USD$200,000 in lawsuits – in addition to tarnished reputations, companies experience, lowered morale and abandoned trust.1

Michael Welp, co-founder of White Men As Full Diversity Partners (WMFDP) a leading diversity process consulting firm to Fortune 500 companies, says the new economy is forcing companies to come to grips with old biases if they want to protect their bottom line.

“Systemic bias in the workplace will inevitably reach deep into the pockets of the employer, while its ripple effect undermines the principles of good business. There is simply too much at stake to ignore the warning signals.”- Welp

47% of the millennial generation said they consider diversity and inclusion to be an important criterion when considering potential employers. Additionally, more than 2 million workers quit their jobs each year due to discrimination – costing the US economy more than USD$64B annually.

Per Welp, diversity and inclusion not only breed innovation, creativity but also a greater market share.

Welp explains that full diversity has the potential of propelling this new economy further by:

 

  • Creating more jobs,
  • Reducing lost production time due to having to train new hires,
  • Less discrimination lawsuits, and
  • Increased innovation that will be produced by diverse teams working together.

 

four days to change bookcoverIn his new book, Four Days to Change, Welp provides the solution to systemic inequality through a comprehensive approach including diversity consulting, experiential learning, and leadership development. He also adds that all efforts should lead to tangible action and measurable results.

WMFDP’s mission is to inspire leaders (especially, white men) to examine their mindsets and assumptions, in order to shift behaviors that create sustainable and inclusive work cultures, which in turn drives business results.  Their client list includes: Rockwell Automation, Lockheed Martin, Coca-Cola, Starbucks, BP, Shell, Intel, AT&T, Dell, Microsoft, HP, NASA, Catalyst (women’s advocacy leader), and MARC (Men Advocating Real Change).

 

  1. 1. Schappel, Christian, “What will the next discrimination charge cost you?” HRMorning, November 6 2015

 

  1. 2. Schrader, Brendon, “Here’s Why The Freelancer Economy Is On The Rise,” Fast Company, August 10, 2015

 

  1. Ehrenkranz, Melanie, “Uber and Lyft drivers exhibit racial bias against passengers, study finds,” Mic Network Inc, October 31, 2016