Research for the World
INSEAD Knowledge
Impactful research and thought leadership from INSEAD, The Business School for the World
It often seems that humankind is perpetually in an existential crisis riddled with intractable problems. They range from big, all-encompassing ones like the climate crisis to the comparatively granular, like affordable housing. What’s a business school like INSEAD to do?
Our professors are not quite superhuman, but this doesn’t stop them from applying their intellect to grand challenges bedevilling us all. This month, INSEAD Knowledge is rich with examples of such brainstorming, starting with our new video series, INSEAD Explains Sustainability .
We launched a new series featuring INSEAD professors' insights on diverse sustainable development topics with this episode featuring Atalay Atasu , co-director of the INSEAD Business Sustainability Programme . He explains what circular economy entails, the challenges involved, and how to move from a linear to a circular economy.
The global housing crisis is estimated to affect 1.6 billion people. Not only does it impacting individuals, but it also damages economies and social cohesion. Pierre Mabille argues that the remedy lies in combining short-term relief measures, such as targeted rent stabilisation, with long-term strategies.
His proposed solutions: promote impact investing in affordable housing; incentivise developers and landlords to boost housing supply; and better coordination of housing policies with other policies.
Social movements such as #MeToo can have an unexpected impact on consumer behaviour, research by Frédéric Godart and David Dubois shows. Together with Clément S. Bellet from Erasmus School of Economics, the professors found a sharp decline in demand for stereotypically feminine shoes six weeks after #MeToo gained prominence, especially in countries most exposed to the movement.
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The research underscores the importance for brands to monitor social movements and adapt their strategies to evolving consumer values and identities.
Between 2000 and 2020, the total compensation of directors at US-listed firms rocketed nearly three-fold to US$456,000, a study by Lily Fang and INSEAD PhD graduate Sterling Huang found. This suggests that directors may be enriching themselves at the expense of shareholders.
The researchers underscore how a landmark legal case in Delaware, which shifted the burden of proof in director compensation disputes, suggests that legal frameworks can effectively curb excessive director compensation.
Ethical leadership is characterised by values orientation, vocalising those values and providing a vision. Such leadership proved crucial in determining how pharmaceutical companies approached equitable COVID-19 vaccine distribution, say INSEAD's SMITH Craig and Markus Scholz from the Dresden University of Technology. While some prioritised global health, others focused on profits. This contrast highlights the impact of ethical leadership in navigating complex challenges and prioritising societal well-being.
We hope our content this month shows there’s hope for humankind – if we collectively apply our wit and determination to tackling the problems we all face. For more insights, read the latest research round-up by Dean of Research and Innovation Lily Fang .
Have a knowledgeable day ahead!
The INSEAD Knowledge team