INSEAD Knowledge

From #AI and #sustainability to organisational dynamics and #geopolitics, we look back on the insights from INSEAD professors and alumni that have helped individuals and organisations navigate a transformative, turbulent year. Enjoy a taster of the Best of Knowledge to wrap up the year!

Sustainability demands and business objectives need to be aligned to produce significant #sustainability impact," says INSEAD professor Karel Cool in this episode of INSEAD Explains Sustainability. He explains how companies can create competitive advantage by focusing on #innovation that meets the demands of society and consumers. Watch the full video here: https://lnkd.in/g38R-BSN

Is there ever a humane and effective way to lay off employees? Transparent, timely communication is crucial, says INSEAD professor Andy Yap. Forewarn employees, offer upskilling and clearly explain changes with empathy and honesty. Organisations that prioritise the "human equation" can emerge stronger in the long run. For more, click 👇 https://lnkd.in/g7CMM7zt #resilience #leadership #changemanagement

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could outsource negotiation – a complex, laborious and often emotionally intense process – to technology? Until recently, the idea of merging #negotiation and #AI was but a dream. Not any longer. INSEAD professor Horacio Falcao unpacks how the launch of more sophisticated AI systems has raised the bar for how negotiations could evolve. He explains how AI could shape negotiation strategies in the near future, as well as the possible risks involved. Read the full article here 👇 https://lnkd.in/g8kN4DRV

Investments in GenAI reached US$21 billion last year. But there is still a distinct lack of certainty about GenAI’s impact. In his new book Event Horizon Strategy, INSEAD professor Jason Davis likened the impact of AI to the uncertainty created by black holes in cosmology. Black holes are viewed as "singularities": regions of infinite density and gravitational pull where nothing can escape. As objects approach a black hole, they reach a point called the event horizon. Beyond this, escaping the black hole's gravitational pull becomes nearly impossible. What lies beyond the event horizon remains a mystery. #GenAI is currently proving just as mysterious but, like a black hole, is simply too big to ignore. Davis explains how to keep pace and describes three strategies in this article. Read on here 👇 https://lnkd.in/grN8STbw #AIStrategy

Great ideas often come to us in bed, in the bath or on the bus, the so-called 3 Bs of #creativity, according to INSEAD professor Manfred Kets de Vries. In fact, constant busyness is what stands between you and more eureka moments.

In the belief that businesses will “follow the money”, #ESG investing has been the financial markets’ answer to steer companies towards more responsible operations. But it is not enough. #NGOs are a necessary ingredient to bring about positive environmental and social (E&S) change, said INSEAD professor Thomas Keusch. How? By catalysing engagement between companies, their investors and stakeholders. Results from his study show that scrutiny by NGOs has real effects on stock prices, media reactions and corporate E&S practices. The investors, employees and customers of today are increasingly concerned about the ESG characteristics of the companies they invest in, work for and transact with. And so, NGOs, as part of the ecosystem, must continue to steer companies towards not only greater accountability, but also transparency. Read the full article 👇 https://lnkd.in/gjqSaA2u

Ever wondered why some people treat airline miles like precious gems while others spend them like Monopoly money? A fascinating study by INSEAD professors SoYeon Chun and Ville Satopää, together with Freddy Lim from the National University of Singapore, reveals four distinct types of loyalty programme members. This has huge implications for airlines, considering companies like American Airlines made US$2.4 billion from selling miles to banks in 2019. The big question for loyalty programmes: How to keep points accessible enough to keep customers engaged while ensuring they don't become so common they lose their appeal? #LoyaltyProgrammes #ConsumerBehaviour #BusinessStrategy #Aviation Read more 👇 https://lnkd.in/gj-gSd2U

When used correctly, comedy in #marketing isn't just about getting laughs – it's a powerful tool for boosting brand loyalty and cutting through the noise. INSEAD professor Abhishek Borah and MBA graduate Viren Sood offer practical tips to creating successful humorous campaigns: keep it simple, stay true to your brand voice, and never let the laughs overshadow your message. FInd out more: https://lnkd.in/g2BzBSe6

Can #AI be used by firms in personality assessments to ensure the right cultural fit? Can it help recruiters and managers pinpoint the ideal candidate to hire based on how well their personality will mesh with their future team? Athena’s Eliot Gattegno and INSEAD professor Nadav Klein unpack the potential benefits (and pitfalls) of AI-based personality assessments and what organisations need to consider before implementing the technology. Read further: https://lnkd.in/g5Ds4_-K