MIT Sloan Management Review

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.

Good Questions

MIT Sloan Management Review

The Rise of Exit Bans and Hostage-Taking in China • Executives doing business in China can find themselves detained when a dispute arises. How can companies prepare for and handle such situations?

The Working Limitations of Large Language Models • Overestimating the capabilities of AI models like ChatGPT can lead to unreliable applications.

Use Open Source for Safer Generative AI Experiments • Commercial AI services can put proprietary data at risk — but there are alternatives.

The Looming Challenge of Chemical Disclosures • New sustainability rules make consumer brands accountable for the composition of their products, but most companies are in the dark.

R&D Leaders Must Play a Key Role in the Journey to Net Zero • CTOs and other executives who lead research and innovation are positioned to be critical change agents in cutting enterprises’ carbon footprints.

There Actually Is an ‘I’ in Team • Research shows that when dealing with fundamental change, teams that retrain individuals before focusing on collaboration have better results.

Sustainability Strategy: Rightsizing Goals and Assessing Impact

Set Ambitious but Realistic Environmental Goals • How far from business realities can companies stretch when setting critical goals to reduce carbon emissions?

The Hidden Opportunity in Paradoxes • When faced with impossible choices, organizations that embrace seemingly contradictory options expand the scope of what’s possible.

Get Ready for More Transparent Sustainability Reporting • Mandatory disclosures will give investors and other stakeholders a clearer picture of the future of your business. What story does yours tell?

Tackling AI’s Climate Change Problem • The AI industry could soon be one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions, if current trends continue.

Can Friction Improve Your Customers’ Experiences? • Many companies are on a quest to make online shopping as hassle-free as possible — but slowing down the purchase process can boost buyer satisfaction and loyalty.

What’s the Right Amount of Friction for Your Online Customer Experience? • Choose the answer that most closely describes your business situation. Then add up your scores to learn the optimal amount of friction to help you cultivate enduring customer relationships.

Leadership Development Is Failing Us. Here’s How to Fix It • Executive development programs are big business, but too many fail to yield meaningful results. Here’s how to be a savvy consumer.

One Company’s Approach to Improving Leadership Development • Here’s how an industry-leading energy giant in Europe redesigned a leadership development program to better meet its needs.

Make Better Allies of Your Workforce • Leaders can avoid labor disputes and create value by improving communication with employees and including them in strategic decision-making.

What Managers Everywhere Must Know About Caste • The South Asian system of socioeconomic stratification can shape inequities in the workplace. Managers should understand how it works to address it.

How to Productively Disagree on Tough Topics • Instead of avoiding divisive issues, learn how to have thoughtful conversations that build mutual understanding and...