Issue 94, Spring 2019

In this issue
Cover story
- Organizations & PeopleToday’s employees want jobs that are intrinsically rewarding and that fit their values. And though the meaning of work is different for each person, companies that act now to address these demands will gain a lasting competitive advantage. See also “Five Ways Companies Can Give People a Good Work Experience.”
- Organizations & People
Closing the Culture Gap
Linking rhetoric and reality in business transformation. - Strategy & Leadership
The short life of enlightened leadership (and how to extend it)
Most companies that try to do well by doing good can’t make it last. Their leaders need to think more carefully about their philosophy and governance. - Global PerspectiveGMO
Sustaining Southeast Asia’s momentum
How the 10 countries of the vibrant ASEAN region can avoid the threat of slower growth.
Leading Ideas
- Tech & innovation
How robots will transform the C-suite
Senior executives need to lead a workforce that seamlessly blends human talent and automation. - Tech & innovation
Human Creativity in the Age of Smart Machines
The story of how one organization helped the chronically homeless demonstrates the inherent value of observation, empathy, and perseverance. - Thought leaders
Business cycle
Peloton’s bikes may be stationary. But as CEO John Foley tells us, the company is on the move. - Strategy
Why your next deal may be a partnership
A new study shows that alliances and joint ventures are on the rise worldwide. - Workforce
What you can learn from your employee networks
Many companies support resource groups that bring people together, but stop short of assessing their value.
Essays
- Tech & innovation
The Blitzscaling Basics
In their new book, Reid Hoffman and Chris Yeh explain why it often makes sense to prioritize growth over efficiency. - Tech & innovation
Redefiners are doing digital right
Companies that have the digital aspiration of fundamentally changing their operating model can face disruption head-on. - Consumer & retail
The new fortune at the bottom of the pyramid
Profound changes are closing the gap between the world’s poorest consumers and others, offering an unprecedented opportunity for businesses to create — and share in — prosperity. For more insight, see “Changes to the Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid.”
Books in Brief
- Business books
Why the Digital Era Is a Boon for Pop Culture
In his new book, economist Joel Waldfogel argues that digitization is ushering in a golden age for both producers and consumers of entertainment. - Business books
Muddling Through
Scott Belsky’s new book offers inspiration to leaders slogging through the life span of a successful business.
The Thought Leader Interview
Understanding the potential of artificial intelligence
Daniel Hulme, CEO of the AI solutions startup Satalia, offers other chief executives a primer on the technology that will shape the future of work and business.
Recent Research
- s+b Blogs
How to Tell When It’s Quittin’ Time
To deter turnover, managers can watch for the behaviors that employees exhibit when they are considering leaving.