The McKinsey Quarterly

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McKinsey Quarterly is the business journal of McKinsey & Company.

Contributions from thought leaders outside of McKinsey
value drivers for corporate responsibility article, some corporate responsibility activities harm competitiveness, Strategy

DECEMBER 2011

What really drives value in corporate responsibility?

Few companies are clear about how investing in social initiatives will change stakeholder behavior or the harm a bad strategy can cause.

Editors’ Choice
  • how leaders kill meaning at work article, feeling of progress at work is most important factor for meaningful work, Governance

    JANUARY 2012

    How leaders kill meaning at work

    Senior executives routinely undermine creativity, productivity, and commitment by damaging the inner work lives of their employees in four avoidable ways.

  • the second economy article, digital economy is largely automatic, Strategy

    OCTOBER 2011

    The second economy

    Digitization is creating a second economy that’s vast, automatic, and invisible—thereby bringing the biggest change since the Industrial Revolution.

  • top executives need feedback article, senior leaders have difficulty accepting criticism, Governance

    SEPTEMBER 2011

    Top executives need feedback—here’s how they can get it

    As executives become more senior, they are less likely to receive constructive performance and strategic feedback. They can get it by calling on their junior colleagues.

  • centralize functions article, centralization is required, Organization

    JUNE 2011

    To centralize or not to centralize?

    It’s a hard call made harder by power struggles. CEOs can force a more thoughtful debate by asking three critical questions.

  • reforming corporate boards article, directors should act like owners, Governance

    JUNE 2011

    Boards: When best practice isn’t enough

    Many boards have improved their structures and processes. But to become truly effective stewards of their companies, they must also instill the right mind-set and boardroom dynamics.

  • better brainstorming article, problems with brainstorming, Strategy

    MARCH 2011

    Seven steps to better brainstorming

    Most attempts at brainstorming are doomed. To generate better ideas—and boost the odds that your organization will act on them—start by asking better questions.

  • knowledge workers article, knowledge strategy, Organization

    FEBRUARY 2011

    Rethinking knowledge work: A strategic approach

    Knowledge workers’ information needs vary. The key to better productivity is applying technology more precisely.

    Includes: Audio
  • Revealing your moment of truth article, the value of leadership, management, Organization

    OCTOBER 2010

    Revealing your moment of truth

    Management thinker Stan Slap argues that the best leaders inspire their teams by bringing their values to work.

  • Why good bosses tune in to their people article, Bob Sutton good bosses, Bob Sutton tune in, Bob Sutton advice, Bob Sutton bosses, Governance

    AUGUST 2010

    Why good bosses tune in to their people

    Know how to project power, counsels Stanford management professor Bob Sutton, since those you lead need to believe you have it for it to be effective. And to lock in your team’s loyalty, boldly defend their backs.

  • When companies underestimate low-cost rivals article, new low cost entrants into industry, Strategy

    JUNE 2010

    When companies underestimate low-cost rivals

    Attackers are threatening premium players in market after market—and not only at the low end.

  • Using rivalry to spur innovation article, rivalry promotes intensive innovation, Strategy

    MAY 2010

    Using rivalry to spur innovation

    Productive rivalry stimulated artistic innovation during the Renaissance, and according to the director of General Electric’s Global Research Group, it also has helped his company develop better products and services.

Authors’ voices
Conversations with authors and excerpts from their books
Global Spotlight: On Africa
Global Spotlight: On Japan
  • Japanese companies must dare to err article, Japanese lack individuality, Strategy

    JUNE 2011

    Dare to err

    Japan is losing the economic game. Why can’t the country learn from its mistakes?

  • computer game developers in Japan article, Japanese computer game developers lost their lead to the United States, Strategy

    JUNE 2011

    Staying in the game

    It may be too late for Japan to score in the US market for computer games. The next big opportunity is China.

  • globalization of sumo article, fewer Japanese have the physique or discipline for sumo, Strategy

    JUNE 2011

    Sumo wrestles with globalization

    The sport embodies the soul of Japan. Yet the number of Japanese recruits dwindles, and international talent is filling the gap. Why?

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