Are you ready for the ESG revolution?
Societal need and business opportunity are coming together to transform the way companies craft strategy, drive performance, and report results.
Issue 104, Autumn 2021
Cover story
In this issue
GMOState of flux
The rapid changes in the way energy is created, distributed, and stored are creating new relationships between industry and government.Addressing the climate challenge: Six CEOs on sustainability
A look at how chief executives are leading on decarbonization.It’s time to get excited about boring AI
Extracting information from documents may not be the splashiest application of automation, but it has massive potential to reduce errors and costs.
Leading Ideas
- Consumer & retail
The rise of the eco-friendly consumer
During the pandemic, people have become more sensitive to the environmental impact of their shopping decisions—and companies are responding. - Workforce
A flexible routine can help you change for good
The most effective habits create stability but avoid rigidity. - Leadership
Four common biases in boardroom culture
What behavioral psychology can tell you about the human dynamics of your board. - Strategy
Does culture really eat strategy for breakfast?
This chestnut of the business world overlooks the importance of—and the challenge of creating—a clear strategy. - s+b BlogsHealthcare
Weighing the risk ethics of requiring vaccinations
Creating safe workplaces while respecting employees’ concerns and choices presents challenges for company leaders.
Essays
Linking executive pay to ESG goals
Public pressure and changing norms are paving the way for business leaders to be paid based on a new set of criteria.
- Strategy
Granting autonomy without losing control
In his new book, London Business School’s Constantinos C. Markides explains how leaders can ensure that employees know how to deliver on a company’s strategy. - Strategy
Lessons in simplicity strategy
Using a six-point “hexagon action” model to deal with a complex world helps leaders focus and prioritize their work.
Books in Brief
How noisy is your company?
In Noise, a professorial supergroup explains the causes and consequences of the inherent variability in professional judgment.The rise and fall of merit
In The Aristocracy of Talent, Adrian Wooldridge traces the history of meritocracy and fears for its future.Why bigger isn’t always better in banking
In a new book about the storied two-century history of Brown Brothers, author Zachary Karabell argues that conservatism and pragmatism are viable strategies for surviving disruptions.
Thought Leader
Mark Carney on a values-led economy
The former governor of the Bank of England argues for a major overhaul of the financial system to confront global challenges.
Endpage: Recent Research
- s+b Blogs
Are we having fun (at work) yet?
Games or contests meant to inject some motivation and productivity into the workday can backfire if employees feel pressured to take part.
Trending articles
- 1.Rebuilding Lego, Brick by BrickHow a supply chain transformation helped put the beloved toymaker back together again.
- 2.10 principles of strategic leadershipHow to develop and retain leaders who can guide your organization through times of fundamental change.
- 3.Rethinking total reward strategiesPay, incentives, and benefits haven’t significantly changed for decades, but people’s preferences have. Employee compensation needs a rethink if companies are to attract and retain talent.
- 4.The rise of the eco-friendly consumerDuring the pandemic, people have become more sensitive to the environmental impact of their shopping decisions—and companies are responding.
- 5.10 principles of organization designThese fundamental guidelines, drawn from experience, can help you reshape your organization to fit your business strategy. See also “A guide to organization design.”
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