Research is emerging on the social implications of smart (cellular) phone usage. This research along with revelations by Apple that iPhones catalog phone usage along with location is raising ethical concerns. While firms such as Google and AT&T claim that any data gathered is done so anonymously, research clearly indicates that the level of knowing… Read more »
Posts By: wmu_admin
Organizing the Liberation of Libya
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 »
Knowing When to Quit — Or Not Even Start
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 »
Juggling Many Tasks at Once
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 »
He Won’t Be Twittering His Time Away
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 »
Boomers Are Here to Stay — With a Bang!
A generation of Baby Boomers is on the cusp of retirement, but some may not. Whether for financial reasons, longevity, or something else, not all Baby Boomers are ready to leave the workplace. One of them is Michael Adams, president of a Toronto-based consulting firm. Mr. Adams says Baby Boomers have a lot to offer… Read more »
To Measure Or Not to Measure?
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 »
Sensitive Selling
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 »
Trading (Way) South of the Border
By the turn of the 20th century, Canadian banks were moving south to keep up with growing business opportunities in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. A century later, only a handful of Canada’s biggest companies are actively engaged in business in the Southern Hemisphere. For its part, the Canadian government recognizes this is… Read more »
To Blog or Not to Blog?
Companies are embracing social media almost to excess. Communicating via Facebook and Twitter are not that difficult. Blogging, while more effective and richer, is a bit more involved. Tumblr software offers an interface that makes it easier to communicate and gives users more options for getting their message out to others. QUESTIONS: Follow the links… Read more »
