In this discussion with Wesley Koo, Assistant Professor in Management and Organizations at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, Anita and Wes discussed his research on the relationship between business, technology, and society. Wesley shared his career journey from high-frequency trading to working in environmental tech startups, followed by his PhD studies at Stanford where he conducted field research with Alibaba on rural e-commerce in China. He described his recent research on platform governance, including how algorithm changes affect rural versus urban retailers on e-commerce platforms and his work on rating systems for domestic workers in Singapore. Wesley emphasized the importance of understanding the "societal layer of technology" and highlighted how platforms can both create wealth and amplify inequalities, suggesting that scholars should engage with policy-making from the beginning of their research to address these issues.

Wesley's Career Journey Discussion

Wesley shared his career journey, starting with a brief stint as a high-frequency trader in Chicago before transitioning to a tech startup focused on environmental and solar technologies in China. He described his role as country director, which involved business development and field work testing solar cookers for nomads in western China. Wesley explained that after this experience, he decided to pursue entrepreneurship himself, coming to Stanford to study and seek a co-founder for a heat storage technology business, where he worked with advisor Chuck Eesley.  Anita asked about Wesley's experience in the Stanford Technology Ventures Program and its influence on his work.

Research Experience in Entrepreneurship Programs

Wesley shared his early research experience conducting interviews with Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and business leaders, which inspired his approach of getting close to research subjects to better understand their challenges. He described his transformative three-year experience as an Alibaba scholar from 2015 to 2018, where he worked with the company and other Chinese platforms on rural entrepreneurship programs. During this time, he engaged with various stakeholders including platform engineers, buyers, sellers, government employees, and local agents, which further shaped his research methodology.

Rural E-commerce Adoption Challenges

Wesley discussed his research on e-commerce adoption in rural villages, which was inspired by surprising news reports about millions using online shopping in remote areas. He explained how algorithmic changes on e-commerce platforms affect retailers differently based on location, with rural retailers struggling to understand and adapt to algorithm modifications compared to urban retailers who have better access to knowledge and support networks. The discussion highlighted how rural entrepreneurs often lack the resources and knowledge to experiment with platform changes, leading many to close their online stores.

Platform Rating Systems Research

Wesley discussed his research on platform rating systems for domestic workers in Singapore, highlighting how power differentials between employers and workers create fear and resistance to rating systems. The research revealed that workers are afraid of negative consequences including mistreatment, passport holding, and difficulty finding new employment due to the requirement of reference letters. Employers also showed negative attitudes toward being rated by their domestic workers.

Digital Inequality Research Discussion

Anita and Wesley discussed Wesley's research on how digital platforms can amplify social and economic inequalities. Wesley outlined his three-step approach to addressing these issues: identifying failure points, demonstrating the monetary impact on companies, and collaborating with designers and engineers to develop solutions. They also discussed the importance of making technology accessible, ensuring meaningful participation, and maintaining human control over technology.