Changing the Game

Our articles this month focus on game-changing events, strategies and policies that are shaping the business world and beyond.

We examine how international tournaments like the ongoing Rugby World Cup can level up their sustainability efforts, and delve into new innovation pathways to help organisations align their business objectives with environmental goals.

We also look at the impact of Covid-19 furloughs on firms in Europe and how China can avoid the deflationary spiral. Finally, we explore the pivotal role that owners play in the sustained success of their companies.

Happy reading!

How Sporting Events Can Score Big on Sustainability

Sports organisations have the power to engage a large global audience. With that comes the responsibility to use that power for the betterment of society and the environment. In fact, they are facing increased scrutiny over the sustainability of international tournaments.

By stepping up efforts on this front, these organisations can potentially reduce costs and better attract funds and sponsors while also driving positive change. INSEAD MBA student Ben Fulton and professor L. Felipe Monteiro examine how the ongoing Rugby World Cup fares in terms of sustainability and outline three steps for more sustainable events.

A Nondisruptive Approach to the Environment

Companies are under increasing pressure to take more responsibility for the environmental impact of their operations and incorporate environmental factors into their business practices.

W. Chan Kim, Renée Mauborgne and Mi Ji from the INSEAD Blue Ocean Strategy Institute explain how nondisruptive creation – a radical approach to innovation that creates new markets beyond existing industry boundaries – can help firms align their business objectives with environmental goals instead of sacrificing one for the other.

Covid-19 Furloughs Helped Firms Not Just Survive, But Thrive

During Covid-19 lockdowns, it made financial sense for European firms to furlough white-collar employees as severance pay would have been costlier. It wasn't the case for low-wage workers, yet firms still chose to retain them.

This was a smart move that helped companies not only survive but thrive once lockdowns were lifted, according to research conducted by INSEAD's Morten Bennedsen, Copenhagen Business School's Birthe Larsen, University of Georgia's Ian Schmutte and Cornell University's Daniela Scur.

Deflation Woes: Can China Avoid Japanification?

As China's economy slips into deflation, there are fears that the country may be reliving Japan's decades-long struggle with economic stagnation. Will Beijing make the necessary tough calls to ease the Chinese economy through this critical phase? Or will fear of political instability and social unrest make its leadership turn the other way?

INSEAD's Pushan Dutt sizes up the spectre and outlines painful but necessary economic and financial reforms China could enact to avoid Japan's fate.

The Power of Distinct Owners as Value Catalysts

Firms with owners who truly lead (as opposed to passive owners) are better equipped to navigate the formidable economic and social challenges of our times.

INSEAD's Massimo Massa and Ludo Van der Heyden, along with non-executive director Kai Taraporevala, provide guidelines for this leadership journey in their book: Value Creation for Owners and Directors. They emphasise the importance of cultivating a supportive and challenging environment through effective governance practices, including creating ownership boards.

We hope you've enjoyed our selection this month. For more, check out the new INSEAD Insights, a monthly selection of the latest research by 欧洲工商管理学院 (INSEAD) faculty.

Have a knowledgeable week ahead!

Best wishes,

The INSEAD Knowledge team