MIT Sloan Management Review Magazine - Winter 2018

In this issue

Somewhere along the line, most of us have worked in organizations with inefficient processes,
inept leadership, or both. But work doesn’t have to be that way. The Winter 2018 issue of MIT Sloan Management Review offers some fresh thinking about how to improve the way things get done in your company. The article “A New Approach to Designing Work” provides an intriguing perspective on structuring work processes to achieve both agility and efficiency, while “The Truth About Hierarchy” explains how — and how not to — use hierarchy to create the best results. “The Trouble With Homogeneous Teams” explores the effects of diversity — and its opposite, homogeneity — on group decision-making. You’ll also get to read a fascinating case study by Julian Birkinshaw of the London Business School: In “What to Expect From Agile,” Birkinshaw describes what happens when an established financial services company decides to adopt agile management methods from the software industry. We hope these ideas and insights will assist you in building an organization that is nimble and high-performing — and that reflects the best a workplace can be.

Surviving A Day Without Smartphones

For young adults accustomed to continually checking their cellphones, even a single day without access to them can be anxiety-producing. What are the implications for executives about managing this constantly connected generation?

8 mins

The Fundamental Flaw In AI Implementation

Many executives are enthusiastic about the business potential of machine learning applications. But business leaders often overlook a key issue: To fully unlock the benefits of artificial intelligence, you’ll need to upgrade your people’s skills — and build an empowered, AI-savvy workforce.

5 mins

The Board's Role In Managing Cybersecurity Risks

Cybersecurity can no longer be the concern of just the IT department. Within organizations, it needs to be everyone’s business — including the board’s.

9 mins

When Jobs Become Commodities

Even if your job is high paying, it is wise to ask yourself whether it is common and repetitive enough to be done by a machine. If you conclude that it is, it’s time to look for — or create — less commoditized work.

5 mins

Why Some Platforms Are Better Than Others

Although successful digital platforms can deliver remarkable value to users and riches to entrepreneurs and investors, in some sectors it isn’t clear that anyone will turn a profit.

8 mins

What Sets Breakthrough Strategies Apart

Innovative strategies depend more on novel, well-reasoned theories than on well-crunched numbers.

8 mins

Read all stories from MIT Sloan Management Review

MIT Sloan Management Review Magazine Description:

MIT Sloan Management Review leads the discourse among academic researchers, business executives and other influential thought leaders about advances in management practice, particularly those shaped by technology, that are transforming how people lead and innovate. MIT SMR disseminates new management research and innovative ideas so that thoughtful executives can capitalize on the opportunities generated by rapid organizational, technological and societal change.