The Insights We Need To Educate Leaders

When you stumble upon a question that has been puzzling you for a while and realize that it can be the subject of research, it's an incredibly exciting moment. Suddenly, you find yourself saying, "I can study that!" and it dawns on you that your job is to explore these curious phenomena. It's a moment of joy when you know that you've stumbled upon something truly interesting, something that has the potential to not only expand your own knowledge but also to educate others.

Thinking Big at Harvard Business School

Harvard Business School is a place that encourages big thinking. Surrounding yourself with others who are also eager to delve into big ideas creates an environment where the possibilities seem endless. As a researcher, some of the best days are the ones where time slips away as you become fully engrossed in a problem, writing, or working with data. These are the moments when you know you're using your brain to its fullest capacity, and they are undoubtedly the happiest moments.

One of the benefits of being at Harvard Business School is the freedom to engage in paradigm-shifting research that introduces entirely new frameworks for solving big problems. In today's complex world, problems like climate change and healthcare require multidisciplinary approaches. It's not enough to rely on a single type of research; we need experiments in the field, experiments in the laboratory, insights from business historians, economists, and more. This diversity of perspectives allows us to tackle these complex challenges from all angles.

Action Research: Making an Impact

One approach to research that has proven to be impactful is action research. This method involves closely engaging with organizations and working hand-in-hand with managers and leaders to implement new ideas. For the past six years, I have been working with various healthcare institutions around the world, aiming to lower the cost of healthcare.

By collecting detailed information from numerous firms and immersing myself in data, I search for undiscovered insights that can fundamentally change the way organizations operate. For example, in studying neonatal ICUs in India, I found that better-managed units have lower mortality rates. Armed with this knowledge, I work with chiefs of labor units to improve their management skills and ultimately lower mortality rates.

The Global Reach of Research

My own research interests are deeply rooted in my personal background. Growing up, I witnessed the global impact of multinational companies, and it sparked my curiosity about how they operate and contribute to the world. This curiosity has led me to focus on understanding and fixing systems that lead to perverse incentives, causing companies to merge with foreign entities for tax purposes rather than for genuine business reasons.

As a curious behavioral scientist, I study the psychology behind decision-making. Together with my colleague, Francesca, we explore how rituals can affect our experiences and influence team performance. It might seem unrelated to business at first, but we have discovered that little rituals can actually predict team performance. By leveraging this knowledge, managers can institute rituals to boost morale and improve overall performance in the workplace.

The Unique Approach at Harvard Business School

Harvard Business School is like the Beatles of academia, writing all of its own material. This hands-on involvement gives faculty members a deep and intimate familiarity with the subject matter, unlike any other institution. The case method, which is central to our teaching methodology, is also a way for us to conduct research. By constantly analyzing and understanding the real-world challenges faced by organizations, we are able to enrich our teachings and provide valuable insights to our students.

But our impact extends beyond the classroom. We strive to make a difference in scholarly communities, the world of practice, and the lives of general managers. Research at Harvard Business School is driven by the desire to address the concerns and problems faced by these various audiences. We engage across disciplinary boundaries and welcome diverse perspectives, constantly seeking new and different ways of looking at the same problems.

The Rewards of Research

Research has been my passion for over 30 years, far beyond a typical retirement age. The work is incredibly rewarding, providing me with a sense of purpose and fulfillment that keeps me engaged and off the golf course. At Harvard Business School, research is not just an academic pursuit; it is integral to our mission of educating leaders who can make a difference in the world. Without research, we would lack the insights and ideas needed to fulfill this mission and bring about meaningful change.

In conclusion, research at Harvard Business School is not just about generating knowledge; it's about making a tangible impact on the world. It's about exploring the unknown, solving big problems, and providing valuable insights to help leaders navigate the complexities of today's society. It's an exciting journey of discovery and innovation, one that fuels our passion and keeps us constantly striving for greater understanding.