All articles by Matt Palmquist

A study shows that employees with poor credit are no more or less productive than their colleagues with better standing.

Don’t let the performance of superstars distract you from the damage toxic employees inflict.

A new study finds that the design of new products can help move a company’s stock — especially if those products appear to be very useful.

Managers in restaurants and other service businesses can maximize sales by carefully filling teams with top performers and underachievers.

Flexible, adaptive supply chain management is an overlooked but vital component of a company’s overall innovation strategy.

Companies can maximize their investments in Web analytics if they focus tightly on priorities, layer human intelligence on top of smart technology, and enlist senior management to lead the charge.

Companies seeking to balance the rights of their workforce against the safety of their reputation have to craft clear social media policies.

Working spouses are more likely to emotionally support each other when they work for companies that offer flexibility in balancing home and professional life. This support has important implications for company productivity and turnover as well.

When firms want to shed a subsidiary, they must decide whether to spin off or sell the business. New research shows that selling, rather than spinning, may be the more profitable option.

Despite the bad press about spending-based rewards programs, companies and consumers can both benefit if firms are willing to give up a small amount of revenue.

Predicting a startup’s success before the venture is even launched may seem impossible. But entrepreneurs and investors should never overlook the value of assessing the basic concept behind the business.

It’s generally presumed that employees who accrue political power at work are higher performers. But those who schmooze a little less are actually the best at their jobs.

Email is still the king of office communications, but company-hosted social networking platforms are gaining in popularity, especially among younger workers.

C-suite executives with criminal records in their personal lives are more likely to commit fraud than their law-abiding but free-spending counterparts. 

Given the growing number of international mergers, managers must overcome cultural differences with foreign colleagues to avoid the type of friction that can devalue a deal.

Early adopters get most of the attention from analysts and marketers, but focusing on consumers who are resistant to innovations is another way to bring new products to market.

Workshops in another setting can provide employees with a valuable means of thinking critically about their company’s vision.

When market share is concentrated among a few companies, they advertise more. But that dynamic could actually benefit the competition.

Analysts often discourage risky expansions into developing markets, but three distinct strategies have been associated with success.

Many corporations reduced their investments in sustainable initiatives during the recent recession — but some relatively high-performing firms actually increased their long-term commitment to CSR.

Online peer-based fundraising tools have the potential to disrupt traditional investing models, but entrepreneurs and investors must overcome existing cultural and government barriers.

Firms on the forefront of innovation often concentrate on introducing new products to younger consumers, but an aging population gives companies fresh opportunities as well.

Employees who get injured or sick on the job are returning to work much sooner than they did in the past, but companies have varied reasons for accommodating their injured workers.

CIOs are staying longer in their jobs, another sign that supply chain management is becoming more vital to large companies.

Working fathers are placing more importance on their familial obligations, and companies must react to this societal shift.

Attracting new employees and doing right by its current workforce aren’t the only factors that lead a company to adopt LGBT-friendly HR policies.

When their profit goals differ, fiercely competitive firms may decide to collaborate with each other on complementary offerings.

Managers of startup companies should carefully balance their goals of expansion against the reality of cutbacks and downsizing.

Product returns are typically seen as a necessary headache and a cost drain. But companies can use their return policies to enhance customer loyalty and increase profits.

Online consumer reviews of new products are more than just word of mouth — they also can provide companies with early (and free) advice on how to improve products.