Exploring workplace safety using big data: Meet new Professor Rengong (Alex) Zhang

In July 2024, Rengong (Alex) Zhang joined Telfer as an assistant professor of accounting. In addition to holding a doctorate from the University of Alberta, Professor Zhang brings a wealth of experience in fintech, big data analysis, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing. His research harnesses big data to explore workplace safety, labour dynamics, and capital markets, revealing insights that affect both business and society.

Why did you choose to study accounting? Any personal motivation behind your research interests?

I chose accounting because it is the language of business; it allows me to understand a wide range of business topics. Nowadays, accounting goes beyond just numbers and embraces ESG issues, such as climate change and workplace safety by leveraging big data. The use of AI is also profoundly transforming the industry.

My research interests lie in the labour aspect of ESG issues, using big data to explore workplace safety as well as equity, diversity, and inclusion issues. I am especially interested in the well-being of rank-and-file employees and how they are affected by forces in the capital market. 

How does your PhD training inform your current research program?

My Ph.D. training exposed me to all methodologies and provided me with deep theoretical perspectives, both of which are invaluable assets for an empirical researcher. I am especially grateful to my PhD supervisor, Heather Wier, for always providing helpful guidance and for training me to be an independent researcher.

Do you have any new research insights to share?

My recent research highlights the potential conflict between the environmental and social aspects of ESG. We discovered that employee safety and health performance deteriorate when firms decarbonize under regulatory pressure. More specifically, my research shows that resource-constrained firms tend to allocate more resources towards environmental endeavours, leaving fewer resources devoted to workplace safety and health.

How can your research influence businesses in Canada?

My research on the impact of capital market forces on employee safety and health provides valuable insights for policymakers, such as the Canadian Securities Administrators. Also, my recent research on the effects of environmental regulations compliance on workplace safety can guide practitioners to better understand the potential risks to worker safety and health during firms’ decarbonization efforts. Ultimately, my work aims to ensure that both financial and environmental regulations can contribute to safer, healthier workplaces.