Recent events in the Middle East and North Africa offer many lessons, including the role of emerging technologies (e.g., social media) in dissent, conflict and negotiation, and even ethical issues. The rebellion against Col. Moammar Gadhafi’s Libyan government offers another case – that of how an emerging alternate government organizes itself. Members of the Transitional… Read more »

This article is an excellent case in ethics and decision making. For more than a decade, Kenneth Robinson played the odds, gambling that he could make a fortune (he did) and not get caught (he did as well). Robinson was the middle man between lawyer Matthew Kluger, who would pass along information about potential mergers,… Read more »

The digital workplace puts more pressure on employees to attend to multiple tasks at the same time. Research shows that this can be counterproductive because employees are more error prone. Switching between tasks can lead to 20 minutes of lost time for each switch. The solution is focus. Managers have to create a culture where… Read more »

When Evan Williams decided to walk away from an everyday role at Twitter last October, he easily could have faded into a comfortable life of retirement. Rather than do so, Mr. Williams is working on a new startup company. As his role began to change at Twitter, Williams realized the time was right to move… Read more »

For weeks the battle raged. Democrats and Republicans were locked in a battle over budget cuts that ultimately would determine whether the United States Government would remain open for business. And there was President Barack Obama, stuck in the “middle” of the conflict. Both leaders – Speaker of the House John Boehner and Senate Majority… Read more »

It seems everyone is obsessed with measurement these days. In fact, you probably started your course by talking about research that informs current management thinking or the importance of quantitative analysis or quality management. The fact is lots of things are measured. If you haven’t already, you will soon be examining individual behavior. The author… Read more »

The author’s recent shopping experience in New York City is chronicled. Suffice it to say, she did not have a positive experience and has advice to offer for improving service to customers. The problems Ms. Barrows encountered speak to the importance of individual behavior in the workplace. QUESTIONS: Why is job satisfaction important? If you… Read more »

Just days after his resignation from Berkshire Hathaway, David Sokol, the former heir apparent to Warren Buffet discussed his plans for the future. Justifying the actions that were reported as the basis for his resignation, Sokol claimed he did nothing wrong. Instead, he contended that the resignation was a move he considered for at least… Read more »

Before Hilary Clinton and Sarah Palin, there was Geraldine Ferraro. A little known representative from New York, Ms. Ferraro was selected by Walter Mondale as his running mate on the 1984 Presidential ticket. In some respects, Ms. Ferraro stole the spotlight, not just because of the uniqueness of her candidacy, but also for her inspiring… Read more »

In a move reminiscent of Steve Jobs’ return to Apple, Larry Page is about regain control of Google. Page was the founding CEO, but handed over control to Eric Schmidt in 2001. Now Schmidt is retiring and Page is about step back into the former role. He is wasting no time implementing changes he believes… Read more »