- 22 Jan 2019
- Working Paper Summaries
Corporate Sustainability: A Strategy?
Between 2012 and 2017, companies within most industries adopted an increasingly similar set of sustainability practices. This study examines the interplay between common and strategic practices. This dynamic distinction helps for understanding whether and how sustainability practices can help companies establish a competitive advantage over time.
- 22 Jan 2019
- First Look
New Research and Ideas, January 22, 2019
Can a large business innovate like a nimble startup? ... Lying on a job application can boost self-competence ... A look at Kodak's comeback.
- 17 Jan 2019
- Research & Ideas
Why Business Should Support Employees Who Are Caregivers
Shifting demographics are causing an increasing number of people to act as caregivers for family and friends—but employers seem hardly to notice the trend. Joseph Fuller discusses why companies should support them. Open for comment; 0 Comments.
- 16 Jan 2019
- Managing the Future of Work
The Caring Company
Almost a third of workers—and more senior executives—say their careers have been adversely affected by caregiving obligations. As Joe explains to this episode’s guest host, HBS alum and Care.com CEO Sheila Marcelo, demographic trends and the changing role of women in the workforce mean that employers must make informed choices and “do the math.” By not accounting for costs like reduced productivity and increased turnover, employers leave money on the table when it comes to care. Link to our new report
- 16 Jan 2019
- Research & Ideas
What Football Firings Teach Managers About Staying Relevant
Many executives are confident they can retain their skills over time. Experience shows they are wrong. Just look at the National Football League's "Black Monday" for proof, says Boris Groysberg. Open for comment; 0 Comments.
- 15 Jan 2019
- Working Paper Summaries
The Creation and Evolution of Entrepreneurial Public Markets
Since 1990, new stock exchanges geared toward fast-growing, entrepreneurial companies have proliferated around the world. This analysis shows that exchanges in countries with better shareholder protection allowed younger and less profitable companies to raise more capital. These markets alone cannot boost entrepreneurial activity but need enabling institutions.
- 15 Jan 2019
- First Look
New Research and Ideas, January 15, 2019
A look at second-tier stock exchanges ... Bank helps customers in default ... How the FDA guides approval of new medical devices.
- 14 Jan 2019
- Op-Ed
These 4 CEOs Created a New Standard of Leadership
At the height of the 2008 financial crisis, these four corporate leaders stepped forward—and changed how we think of leadership forever, says Bill George. Open for comment; 0 Comments.
- 10 Jan 2019
- Cold Call Podcast
Can Miguel McKelvey Build the ‘Culture Operating System’ at WeWork?
How deeply does the culture of a startup matter? Can it be shaped? Professor Jeffrey Rayport discusses WeWork cofounder Miguel McKelvey’s innovative role in building a company culture to support rapid growth. Open for comment; 0 Comments.
- 09 Jan 2019
- Research & Ideas
The UK Needs a Bold Strategy Around Competition to Survive Brexit
There is little doubt that the United Kingdom’s separation from Europe will reduce its competitiveness for the foreseeable future, argues Michael E. Porter. Here's what can be done about it. Open for comment; 0 Comments.
- 08 Jan 2019
- First Look
New Research and Ideas, January 8, 2019
Cost-savings strategies in cardiac cath labs ... Colombian company considers development deal ... How to repair Israel’s tarnished image.
- 07 Jan 2019
- Research & Ideas
The Better Way to Forecast the Future
We can forecast hurricane paths with great certainty, yet many businesses can't predict a supply chain snafu just around the corner. Yael Grushka-Cockayne says crowdsourcing can help. Open for comment; 0 Comments.
- 04 Jan 2019
- Working Paper Summaries
The Digital Commons: Tragedy or Opportunity? A Reflection on the 50th Anniversary of Hardin’s Tragedy of the Commons
Garrett Hardin’s Science article “The Tragedy of the Commons” 50 years ago focused on a physical world where common goods are finite and rivalrous. By contrast, this paper explores the digital commons, calling for better understanding of its long-term impact and for government policies supporting benefits while mitigating costs.
- 03 Jan 2019
- Working Paper Summaries
Financing the Response to Climate Change: The Pricing and Ownership of US Green Bonds
Green bonds are used for environmentally friendly purposes like renewable energy. Complementing previous research, this paper explores the US corporate and municipal green bond and shows that a subset of investors is willing to give up some return to hold green bonds.
- 03 Jan 2019
- Research & Ideas
Everyone Knows Innovation is Essential to Business Success—Except Board Directors
In a recent survey of 5,000 board members, innovation was not ranked high on their list of priorities. What are they not seeing? ask Boris Groysberg and Yo-Jud Cheng. Open for comment; 0 Comments.
- 02 Jan 2019
- What Do You Think?
SUMMING UP: Do We Need an Artificial Intelligence Czar?
Having government oversee artificial intelligence development is either a sure way to kill a promising technology or the only way to keep our robot overlords at bay. James Heskett's readers debate. Open for comment; 0 Comments.
- 27 Dec 2018
- Working Paper Summaries
Team Learning Capabilities: A Meso Model of Sustained Innovation and Superior Firm Performance
In strategic management research, the dynamic capabilities framework enables a “helicopter view” of how firms achieve sustainable competitive advantage. This paper focuses on the critical role of work teams, arguing that managers must leverage the knowledge generated by teams to support innovation and strategic change. It matches types of team learning to innovation activities.
- 20 Dec 2018
- Cold Call Podcast
Using Fintech to Disrupt Eastern Bank from Within
When Eastern Bank decided to battle a threat from new competitors, it hired a fintech executive to set up Eastern Labs and start innovating. Karen Mills discusses her case study on what happened next. Open for comment; 0 Comments.
- 20 Dec 2018
- Research & Ideas
Most Popular Stories and Research Papers of 2018
The most-read stories on Harvard Business School Working Knowledge in 2018 included topics as wide-ranging as the children of working moms, downsides of the open office, and work unhappiness. What do you think were the most powerful business trends of the year? Open for comment; 0 Comments.
Sports: Lessons for Managers
When people look to illustrate a great business idea or accomplishment, a sports metaphor usually isn't far away. Why Harvard Business School researchers look for teaching gold on the playing fields of the world. Open for comment; 0 Comments.