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Mar 25, 2024
Could artificial intelligence systems eventually perform surgeries or fly planes? First, AI will have to learn to navigate shifting conditions as well as people do. Julian De Freitas and colleagues pit humans against machines in a video game to study AI's current limits and mine insights for the real world.
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Mar 21, 2024
Many companies build their businesses on open source software, code that would cost firms $8.8 trillion to create from scratch if it weren't freely available. Research by Frank Nagle and colleagues puts a value on an economic necessity that will require investment to meet demand.
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Mar 17, 2024
Many assume that major oil and gas companies adamantly oppose climate-friendly regulation, but that's not true. A study of 30 years of corporate advocacy by Jonas Meckling finds that energy companies have backed clean-energy efforts when it aligns with their business interests.
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Mar 14, 2024
Few people enjoy talking about succession plans, performance problems, and pay, but sometimes you must. Christina Wing offers five rules for navigating thorny conversations in the workplace, and makes the case for tackling even sensitive topics, like age, health, and politics
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Mar 11, 2024
Universities tend to evaluate professors based on their research output, but does that measure reflect the realities of higher ed? A study of 4,300 professors by Kyle Myers, Karim Lakhani, and colleagues probes the time demands, risk appetite, and compensation of faculty.
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Mar 11, 2024
The idea of reselling old smartphones might have seemed risky for a company known for high-end devices, but refurbished products have become a major profit stream for Apple and an environmental victory. George Serafeim examines Apple's circular model in a case study, and offers insights for other industries.
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Mar 03, 2024
Surveys indicate that US employee engagement and job satisfaction are down. To what degree are attitudes toward work to blame? asks James Heskett.
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Mar 03, 2024
Whether on judicial benches or in corporate boardrooms, white men are more likely to step into roles that other white men vacate, says research by Edward Chang. But when people from historically marginalized groups land those positions, workforce diversification tends to last. Chang offers three pieces of advice for leaders striving for diversity.
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Feb 28, 2024
Reach soccer's pinnacle. Become a global brand. Buy a team. Sign Lionel Messi. David Beckham makes success look as easy as his epic free kicks. But leveraging world-class talent takes discipline and deft decision-making, as case studies by Anita Elberse reveal. What could other businesses learn from his ascent?
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Feb 26, 2024
Companies that make their workforce demographics public earn consumer goodwill, even if the numbers show limited progress on diversity, says research by Ryan Buell, Maya Balakrishnan, and Jimin Nam. How can brands make transparency a differentiator?
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Feb 21, 2024
When companies use machine learning models, they may run the risk of inadvertently sharing sensitive and private data. Seth Neel explains why it's important to understand how to wipe AI's spongelike memory clean.
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Feb 15, 2024
Extroverts are more likely to express their passion outwardly, giving them a leg up when it comes to raises and promotions, according to research by Jon Jachimowicz. Introverts are just as motivated and excited about their work, but show it differently. How can managers challenge their assumptions?
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Feb 15, 2024
Companies have jobs to fill and skilled candidates are looking for the right opportunities, but too often, technology stands between them. A report by Joseph Fuller and colleagues says that a career navigation system that meets four key imperatives could bridge the gap.
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Feb 12, 2024
Women are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification—the lasting damage of a lifetime of gender stereotypes. Studies by Katherine Coffman show how employers could use simple-yet-powerful approaches to embolden women to apply to senior roles and bring more talent to companies.
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Feb 08, 2024
Medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have upended a $76 billion industry that has long touted lifestyle shifts as a means to weight loss. Regina Herzlinger says these drugs might bring fast change, especially for busy professionals, but many questions remain unanswered.
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Feb 04, 2024
Middle managers are fostering collaboration, inspiring employees, and linking important functions at companies. Letian Zhang shares insights mined from more than 35 million job postings that paints a counterintuitive picture of today's midlevel managers. Could these roles provide an innovation edge?
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Feb 04, 2024
Organizations often make the mistake of hiring employees based largely on their skills, rather than their attitude. What questions can you ask to determine if a job candidate aligns with your company's mission and culture? asks James Heskett.
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Jan 29, 2024
Can financial incentives turn innovation into a chore? A study of GitHub's efforts to sponsor software coders by Maria Roche and colleagues explores the interplay between motivation and creativity.
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Jan 28, 2024
Reactions to devastating wildfires in the Amazon show the contrasting realities for people living in areas vulnerable to climate change. Research by Paula Rettl illustrates the political ramifications that arise as people weigh the economic tradeoffs of natural disasters.
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Jan 28, 2024
Reactions to devastating wildfires in the Amazon show the contrasting realities for people living in areas vulnerable to climate change. Research by Paula Rettl illustrates the political ramifications that arise as people weigh the economic tradeoffs of natural disasters.
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Jan 24, 2024
Forget rocks for jocks. A study by Paul Gompers of more than 400,000 Ivy League athletes probes how the rigors of college sports can help people climb the corporate ladder faster and into higher-paying positions.
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Jan 23, 2024
Aggressive cost cutting and rocky leadership changes have eroded the culture at Boeing, a company once admired for its engineering rigor, says Bill George. What will it take to repair the reputational damage wrought by years of crises involving its 737 MAX?
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Jan 22, 2024
Three-quarters of US employees are balancing caregiving with their careers. If companies could prevent five of them from quitting, they could save $200,000. Joseph Fuller offers a seven-point plan for supporting the sandwich generation and beyond.
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Jan 22, 2024
Three-quarters of US employees are balancing caregiving with their careers. If companies could prevent five of them from quitting, they could save $200,000. Joseph Fuller offers a seven-point plan for supporting the sandwich generation and beyond.
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Jan 22, 2024
Non-fungible tokens might seem like a fad approach to selling memes, but the concept could help companies open new markets and build communities. Scott Duke Kominers and Steve Kaczynski go beyond the NFT hype in their book, The Everything Token.
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Jan 16, 2024
Inflation has slowed from the epic rates of 2021 and 2022, but many consumers still feel pinched. What will it take to encourage them to spend? Thoughtful pricing strategies that empower customers as they make purchasing decisions, says research by Elie Ofek.
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Jan 16, 2024
Many companies set emissions targets with great fanfare—and never meet them, says research by Shirley Lu and colleagues. But what if investors held businesses accountable for achieving their climate plans?
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Jan 09, 2024
When COVID pushed service-based businesses to the brink, tipping became a way for customers to show their appreciation. Now that the pandemic is over, new technologies have enabled companies to maintain and expand the use of digital payment nudges, says Jill Avery.
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Jan 08, 2024
Companies across industries rushed to adopt ChatGPT last year, seeing its potential to streamline tasks formerly handled by people and vendors at much higher cost. As generative AI enters its next phase in 2024, what can leaders expect? Harvard Business School faculty members highlight four trends to watch.
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Jan 08, 2024
The cost to produce hydrogen could approach the $1 target set by US regulators by 2030, helping this cleaner energy source compete with fossil fuels, says research by Gunther Glenk and colleagues. But global investments in hydrogen production will need to come to fruition to reach full potential.
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Jan 01, 2024
Several companies have brought back formerly successful CEOs in hopes of breathing new life into their organizations—with mixed results. But are we even measuring the boomerang CEO's performance properly? asks James Heskett.
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Jan 01, 2024
Employees may seek new approaches to balance, even as leaders consider whether to bring more teams back to offices or make hybrid work even more flexible. These are just a few trends that Harvard Business School faculty members will be following during a year when staffing, climate, and inclusion will likely remain top of mind.
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Dec 18, 2023
Harvard Business School podcasts gave listeners an inside view of Twitter, Google, and Apple, and featured executives from BlackBerry, LinkedIn, and Volvo, to name a few. Here are some of the year's most downloaded episodes.
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Dec 18, 2023
Scott's hands-off approach and unparalleled pace—helping almost 2,000 organizations and counting—has upended the status quo in philanthropy. While her donations might seem scattershot, an analysis of five years of data by Matthew Lee, Brian Trelstad, and Ethan Tran highlights clear trends and an emerging strategy.
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Dec 18, 2023
The most-read stories about Harvard Business School faculty research reflect a year filled with both excitement and concern about the influence of generative artificial intelligence on the workplace, as well as a determination to find happiness—both on the job and at home.
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Dec 18, 2023
Scott's hands-off approach and unparalleled pace—helping almost 2,000 organizations and counting—has upended the status quo in philanthropy. While her donations might seem scattershot, an analysis of four years of data by Matthew Lee, Brian Trelstad, and Ethan Tran highlights clear trends and an emerging strategy.
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Dec 11, 2023
From authoritarian regimes to social responsibility, take a look back at some of the books by Harvard Business School faculty members that hit the market this year.
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Dec 11, 2023
A global supply chain reshuffling is underway as companies seek to diversify their distribution networks in response to pandemic-related shocks, says research by Laura Alfaro. What do these shifts mean for American businesses and buyers?
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Dec 10, 2023
Few companies wrestle with their moral mission and financial goals like those in journalism, whose business model has been decimated by the rise of online advertising and social media. Research by Lakshmi Ramarajan explores how a disrupted industry upholds its values even as the bottom line is at stake.
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Dec 10, 2023
Few companies wrestle with their moral mission and financial goals like those in journalism, whose business model has been decimated by the rise of online advertising and social media. Research by Lakshmi Ramarajan explores how a disrupted industry upholds its values even as the bottom line is at stake.
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Dec 04, 2023
Many real estate listings still feature videos and interactive tools that simulate the experience of walking through properties. But do they help homes sell faster? Research by Isamar Troncoso probes the post-pandemic value of virtual home tours.
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Dec 04, 2023
A study of 70,000 decisions by Thomas Graeber and Benjamin Enke finds that self-assurance doesn't necessarily reflect skill. Shrewd decision-making often comes down to how well a person understands the limits of their knowledge. How can managers identify and elevate their best decision-makers?
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Nov 27, 2023
The efficiency of one-party governments might seem appealing, but leaders need a deep understanding of a country's power structure and "moral economy," says Meg Rithmire. Her book Precarious Ties: Business and the State in Authoritarian Asia explores the delicate relationship between capitalists and autocrats in the region.
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Nov 26, 2023
Candidates might fixate on red, blue, or swing states, but the neighborhoods where voters spend their teen years play a key role in shaping their political outlook, says research by Vincent Pons. What do the findings mean for the upcoming US elections?
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Nov 21, 2023
Are you a centaur or a cyborg? A study of 750 consultants sheds new light on the strengths and limits of ChatGPT, and what it takes to use generative AI to its full potential. Research by Edward McFowland, Karim Lakhani, Fabrizio Dell'Acqua, and colleagues.
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Nov 20, 2023
Many cosmetics and skincare companies present an image of social consciousness and transformative potential, while profiting from insecurity and excluding broad swaths of people. Geoffrey Jones examines the unsightly reality of the beauty industry.
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Nov 20, 2023
One overwhelmed person's gripes can quickly escalate into collective distress. Research by Amit Goldenberg gives managers reasons to pay close attention to teams' emotions. He offers advice to help groups reframe negative experiences.
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Nov 13, 2023
Investors want leaders who are frugal, humble, and determined, but rarely do they seek those who are generous. However, executives who share their time, talent, and ideas often give rise to legendary organizations. Does generosity merit further consideration? asks James Heskett.
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Nov 13, 2023
What do Honeywell, IBM, and Pfizer have in common? Employees with strong professional networks. A study of 2 billion employee relationships on LinkedIn probes the power of such connections—and potential benefits for companies. Research by Frank Nagle.
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Nov 08, 2023
The pressure to do more, to be more, is fueling its own silent epidemic. Lauren Cohen discusses the common misperceptions that get in the way of supporting employees' well-being, drawing on case studies about people who have been deeply affected by mental illness.
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Nov 06, 2023
Is an eyeglass-wearer more likely to be a strong web developer? Employers that use online talent platforms tend to consider profile photos in final hiring decisions, says research by Isamar Troncoso. What's the role of recruiting platforms in preventing bias?
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Nov 05, 2023
People who seem like they're paying attention often aren't—even when they're smiling and nodding toward the speaker. Research by Alison Wood Brooks, Hanne Collins, and colleagues reveals just how prone the mind is to wandering, and sheds light on ways to stay tuned in to the conversation.
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Oct 30, 2023
Would you complain about a client who verbally abuses their staff? Would you admit to cutting corners on your work? The answers aren't always clear, says David Fubini, who tackles tricky scenarios in a series of case studies and offers his advice from the field.
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Oct 30, 2023
Diversity and inclusion efforts that focus on business outcomes alone rarely address root causes. Jamillah Bowman Williams, a visiting fellow at the Institute for the Study of Business in Global Society, offers tips for companies navigating their next stage of the DEI journey.
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Oct 23, 2023
What do Steve Jobs and Sarah Breedlove have in common? Through a series of case studies, Robert Simons explores the unique qualities of visionary leaders and what today's managers can learn from their journeys.
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Oct 23, 2023
Demand for Black-owned restaurants rises when they're easier to find on Yelp. Research by Michael Luca shows how companies can mobilize their own technology to advance racial equity.
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Oct 16, 2023
Subscriptions are available for everything from dental floss to dog toys, but are consumers tiring of monthly fees? Elie Ofek says that subscription revenue can provide stability, but companies need to tread carefully or risk alienating customers.
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Oct 15, 2023
By emphasizing skills and expanding professional development opportunities, the airline is making strides toward recruiting and advancing Black employees. Case studies by Linda Hill offer an inside look at how Delta CEO Ed Bastian is creating a more equitable company and a stronger talent pipeline.
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Oct 09, 2023
The Voting Rights Act dramatically increased Black participation in US elections—until worried white Americans mobilized in response. Research by Marco Tabellini illustrates the power of a political backlash.
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Oct 05, 2023
Skip the committees and the multi-year roadmap. With the right conditions, leaders can confront even complex organizational problems in one week. Frances Frei and Anne Morriss explain how in their book Move Fast and Fix Things.
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Oct 02, 2023
Many companies are quick to reduce headcount when economic headwinds appear, but they risk weakening their businesses. A case study by Sandra Sucher explores the hidden costs to layoffs.
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Oct 02, 2023
"Happiness is not a destination. It's a direction." In this video, Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey reflect on mistakes, emotions, and contentment, sharing lessons from their new book.
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Oct 02, 2023
There's so much to learn from failure, potentially more than success, argues Amy Edmondson in a new book. So why do leaders tend to report their wins more than their losses? asks James Heskett.
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Sep 25, 2023
Digital strategy demands significant organizational energy at many companies. By the time teams have adapted to newly implemented technology, another platform has emerged to replace it. A book coedited by Feng Zhu offers a guide for executives trying to manage the chaos.
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Sep 25, 2023
Many companies want to bring a wider variety of lived experiences to their workforces. However, research by Summer Jackson shows hiring managers' fears of seeming transactional can ultimately undermine their diversity goals.
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Sep 18, 2023
India reached an unexplored part of the moon despite its limited R&D funding compared with NASA and SpaceX. Tarun Khanna discusses the significance of the landing, and the country's advancements in data and digital technology.
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Sep 18, 2023
It seems like anything is possible with generative AI right now. But how will companies profit from those big ideas? Andy Wu breaks down the potentially painful tradeoffs that tech firms might face as artificial intelligence enters its next phase.
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Sep 13, 2023
The pandemic didn't destroy the workplace advancements moms had achieved. However, not all of the positive changes forced by the crisis and remote work have stuck, says research by Kathleen McGinn and Alexandra Feldberg.
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Sep 11, 2023
Business leaders are wrestling with how to manage their organizations' commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. If you were a CEO, which constituency would you consider most: your employees, customers, or investors? asks James Heskett.
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Sep 11, 2023
So many executives spend decades reaching the pinnacles of their careers only to find themselves unfulfilled at the top. In the book Build the Life You Want, Arthur Brooks and Oprah Winfrey offer high achievers a guide to becoming better leaders—of their lives.
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Sep 11, 2023
Financial planners must find new ways to market to tech-savvy millennials and gen Z investors or risk irrelevancy. Research by Marco Di Maggio probes the generational challenges that advisory firms face as baby boomers retire. What will it take to compete in a fintech and crypto world?
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Sep 04, 2023
We tend to view all failures in a negative light. But smart missteps are worthwhile because they can force us to take a different path that points us toward personal and professional success, says Amy Edmondson.
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Sep 04, 2023
When we slip up, we are often filled with shame, and our instinct is to hide. Instead, people and businesses should applaud smart risk-taking, even when things don't work out, and closely examine their failures to learn from them, says Amy Edmondson.
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Aug 27, 2023
At a time when many workers are struggling with mental health issues, workplace wellness programs need to go beyond providing gym discounts and start offering employees tailored solutions that improve their physical and emotional well-being, says Hise Gibson.
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Aug 27, 2023
Life is short. Are you using your time wisely? Leslie Perlow, Arthur Brooks, and DJ DiDonna offer time management advice to help you work smarter and live happier.
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Aug 20, 2023
Younger workers are rejecting the idea of sticking with one employer for the long haul and are instead finding happiness by job-hopping and creating dramatically different boundaries with work. In a new book, Christina M. Wallace maps out a step-by-step guide to building a flexible and fulfilling life that includes rest, relationships, and a rewarding career.
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Aug 16, 2023
Bitcoin might seem like the preferred tender of conspiracy theorists and criminals, but everyday investors are increasingly embracing crypto. A study of 59 million consumers by Marco Di Maggio and colleagues paints a shockingly ordinary picture of today's cryptocurrency buyer. What do they stand to gain?
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Aug 14, 2023
Generative AI has captured the collective imagination for the moment, eclipsing the once-hyped metaverse. However, it's not the end of virtual reality. A case study by Andy Wu and David Yoffie lays out the key challenges immersive 3D technology must overcome become it can become truly transformative.
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Aug 14, 2023
Giving to others is also good for the giver. A research paper by Ashley Whillans and colleagues identifies three circumstances in which spending money on other people can boost happiness.
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Aug 07, 2023
"People analytics"—using employee data to make management decisions—could soon transform the workplace and hiring, but implementation will be critical, says Jeffrey Polzer. After all, do managers really need to know about employees' every keystroke?
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