A Blueprint for Keeping Humans in Control of AI
New research teaches independent AI agents to ask for help — and builds oversight of models we don’t fully trust.
David Rubenstein on Leading the Parade
The D.C. denizen reflects on his time in Jimmy Carter’s White House, recalls how he got into leveraged buyouts, and shares why he thinks you're not working hard enough if you never fail.
Ask for More Pay and Get Penalized, Stay Quiet and Fall Behind
New research finds that class shapes not just who negotiates for higher salaries, but who pays a price for speaking up.
How Falling Interest Rates Widened Americans’ Wealth Gap
Low interest rates fueled an asset boom that benefited the wealthy — and would amplify the hit of potential Social Security cuts on low-income retirees.
The Dollar’s Dominance Is Eroding
Investors are increasingly eying alternatives to the world’s strongest currency.
AI Could Uncover the Hidden Ways People Work Together
The winners of the AI for Organizations Grand Challenge believe that identifying the “grammar of coordination” could have profound implications for the future of work.
Latest Stories
Idea Stories Opensearch
September 17, 2014
Written
Harikesh Nair: Human Resources’ Big Data Moment
A marketing professor explains how workplace analytics can transform how companies hire, evaluate, motivate, and retain employees.

September 12, 2014
Written
Jesper Sørensen: Why Do Entrepreneurs Take the Leap?
If sudden wealth is not the likely outcome of starting a company, what motivates someone to take the risk?

September 10, 2014
Written
Darrell Duffie: Why LIBOR Manipulation Poses an Ongoing Risk
A finance professor explains what it will take to fix the problem.

September 08, 2014
Written
Neil Malhotra: Do Americans Really Want Bipartisanship?
A study shows that political identity often trumps a voter’s desire for compromise.

September 08, 2014
Written
Christine Su: “Listen – To Your Customers, Your Team, and Your Employees”
The founder of a business focused on sustainable ranching discusses the value of listening, learning, and understanding your personal vision of happiness.

September 03, 2014
Written
Joseph Piotroski: What Is the Relationship Between Chinese Politics and IPOs?
Research shows it’s more complex than mere crony capitalism.

September 02, 2014
Written
Glenn Carroll: How Important Is Authenticity?
When it comes to choosing a restaurant, consumers often value “the real thing” more than cleanliness.

August 28, 2014
Written
Don’t Let Data Get in the Driver’s Seat
Stanford GSB professor warns against an over-reliance on research in education decision-making and argues for a more nuanced approach that blends data and key practitioner insights.

August 28, 2014
Written
Serving the Bottom of the Pyramid
Jane Chen, MBA ’08, discusses the vision behind Embrace, a joint social enterprise promoting child and maternal health across the globe.

August 28, 2014
Written
How to Avoid a Space Catastrophe
Two scholars say the likelihood of a major space junk collision is low for now, but space-faring nations need to take responsibility for ensuring it remains so.

August 25, 2014
Written
Gina Bianchini: “Do Something Every Day That Scares You”
The founder of Mightybell discusses fear, intuition, and War and Peace.

August 20, 2014
Written
Can Overthinking Reduce a Leader’s Influence?
Stanford GSB researchers find that sometimes it is better not to sweat the small stuff.

August 18, 2014
Written
Nicholas Bloom: Innovation Requires Delegating Authority
An economics scholar examines ways firms create flexible structures and why some do not.

August 15, 2014
Written
Jeff Barnett: "Take a Chance and See What Happens"
A hedge fund entrepreneur and professional singer shares lessons he’s learned from his dual careers.

August 07, 2014
Written
Bill Reichert: A Venture Capitalist Offers Tips for Pitching Your Start-Up
The founder of Garage Technology Ventures says grabbing the attention of investors requires crafting a succinct and compelling story.

August 06, 2014
Written
Case Study: Overcoming the Hurdles of Start-Up Life
A cosmetics company CEO faces a tough choice as her team members disagree.

August 04, 2014
Written
Frank Flynn: Does Status Affect How You Help Others?
Researchers find that the perceived status of those in need can be an important factor in determining how we help.

August 04, 2014
Written
Peter DeMarzo: Some Corporate Crises Require Big Executive Bonuses
Big bonuses tempt executives to gamble with company money, but they may make sense for a company in crisis.

July 31, 2014
Written
Roderick Kramer: How to Avoid Paranoia in the Workplace
A social psychologist explains why our brains sometimes jump to irrational, distrusting conclusions about leaders and organizations.

July 30, 2014
Written
Kenneth “Hap” Klopp: “Focus on Value, Not Price”
The former head of the North Face discusses brands, teams, and a key insight from Buckminster Fuller.

July 25, 2014
Written
Matt Abrahams: A Good Question Can Be the Key to a Successful Presentation
A Stanford GSB lecturer and expert on public speaking explains how you can become a more compelling and confident presenter by asking – not telling – in the right situations.

July 24, 2014
Written
Carlos Brito: “You Have to Treat People in Different Ways”
Anheuser-Busch CEO says a people-friendly company is a successful company.

July 23, 2014
Written
Chris Tonetti: An Economist Shows How Imitation Can Sometimes Beat Innovation
Technical innovation makes more sense for some countries and companies than others.

July 15, 2014
Written
Glenn Carroll: How Did Hong Kong’s Transition Affect Entrepreneurship?
New research says start-up activity declined after the handover, compared to what it should have been had things remained the same.
