Pursuit of Happiness: Limiting Options
January 28, 2007
Jonathan Clements, WSJ, December 6, 2006, “The Pursuit of Happiness: Six Experts Tell What They’ve Done to Achieve It”:
Limiting options:
Having lots of choice might seem like a good thing. But in fact, it can lead to unhappiness.Consider a study conducted by professors Jane Ebert and Daniel Gilbert. Participants were allowed to choose an art poster to take home. Some were told that, if they didn’t like the poster, they could exchange it for another. Others were told their decision was final.“Who was happiest with their choice?” asks Prof. Gilbert of Harvard University. “Those for whom the choice was irrevocable. When options are open, the mind generates debate. When options are closed, the mind generates satisfaction.”This insight spurred Prof. Gilbert to limit his own choices. “It made me realize that I ought to propose to my girlfriend,” he says. “Sure enough, now that she’s my wife, I’m happier.”
IBM’s “Globally Integrated Enterprise”
January 28, 2007
IBM’s “The Globally Integrated Enterprise” campaign includes an essay by Sam Palmisano, Chairman and CEO in the May/June 2006 edition of Foreign Affairs.
“Summary: A new corporate entity based on collaborative innovation, integrated production, and outsourcing to specialists is emerging in response to globalization and new technology. Such “globally integrated enterprises” will end up reshaping geopolitics, trade, and education.”
See also a link to IBM’s “Global Innovation Outlook.”
UPS “Whiteboard”: International Shipping
January 28, 2007
TV commercials include: International Shipping; and China to U.S.
“UPS’s latest advertising campaign, “Whiteboard“, is the most significant shift in the company’s creative work since the “What Can Brown Do for You?” campaign, which launched in February of 2002. “Whiteboard” - through the use of a no-nonsense, simple graphic approach - boils down the highly complex nature of UPS’s global delivery, supply chain, technology and other services.”See related link to “Globalization: Where is it Going?” ad, presented by UPS (with their “delivering insight” tagline):
“Given these uncertain times, where is globalization headed? According to Stephen J. Kobrin, William Wurster Professor of Multinational Management at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, “In order to know where we are going, we have to know where we came from.” In his view, three explanations account for the growth of globalization. The first views globalization as a cyclical phenomenon brought into being by a confluence of economic and political conditions. The second believes it to be a political phenomenon driven by will and power. And the third offers a structural explanation, seeing globalization as being determined by the revolution in technology.”
Global Risks 2007: Global Risk Network Report
January 28, 2007
Global Risks 2007: A Global Risk Network Report
“The Global Risk Network was founded by the World Economic Forum in 2004 in response to concern the international community and the global business community were not yet able to respond adequately to a changing global risk landscape. The Programme has moved forward in partnership with Citigroup, MMC (Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.), Merrill Lynch, Swiss Re and the Center for Risk Management and Decision Processes, and Wharton School.“
