Business management

Accounting for almost 30% of world GDP, the United States is the world’s largest and most demanding market for almost everything from oil to microprocessors to premium coffee. Companies around the world aspire to do business in the US, or at least with US companies in their home markets. By doing so, they learn much […]

Not all that much, empirical data from two medical researchers suggest.

How to tailor your advice to your reps' needs - and build a culture where they help each other.

Hitting the hiring bull’s-eye is one of an executive’s most important—and most difficult—responsibilities. Ten common mistakes can get in the way, but a pointed and systematic approach can virtually guarantee success.

The widely held notion of “Japan, Inc.” is exaggerated; there is no monolithic business-government link. Even so, the cooperation (without incorporation) between the large corporate combines and the government bureaucracy is impressive in its strength and focus on the common economic good—especially in view of its achievements worldwide. As the economic power of the United […]

An analysis of 400 case studies uncovers several ways to solve the world’s infrastructure challenges more efficiently.

Comments for this Make Your Case installment are now closed. Thanks to all who participated. This week’s guest commentator, Marshall Goldsmith, has posted his response to your comments and shared some thoughts of his own below. The opening to your cube is darkened by the familiar figure of a longtime colleague. Though you’re his immediate […]

Questions that every board should be asking itself right now.

By pooling the resources of the poor and by sharing information, religious and financial institutions can work together to change inner-city economies.

We’ve been sharing thoughts in this blog about how the rapid growth of the emerging economies, along with other modern realities, will reshape the practice — and thus rewrite the rules — of capitalism. Many readers are aware that these are ideas in development for our forthcoming book on the topic. This week we decided […]

Bonuses and other forms of incentive compensation are an effective motivator of executives to achieve ever higher earnings per share. The drive to produce short-term results, however, often influences management to forgo investment in capital equipment and R&D that would benefit the corporation several years hence even more than improved earnings next year would. The […]

The system has drastically reduced payment disputes with freight carriers.

The case for eschewing the traditional approach to customer satisfaction measurement.

What to do when jumping for joy isn't an option.

David Whyte talks about how poetry begets courageous conversation and, in turn, better leadership.

Here's how to restore consumer and investor confidence.

Big-box stores need to offer discounts — and make customers earn them.

Businesses are becoming more agile, but pay plans have not changed accordingly.

An aging workforce will compel businesses to change how they operate and could even threaten some companies’ viability. How vulnerable is your business?

Network groups for black and Hispanic employees had been an unqualified success. Now a Christian group was forming—and Bill Thompson didn’t know what to think about it.