REPORT

Companies face increasingly polarized stakeholders. How can we overcome divisions and unite people around common ground? John Almandoz explains how polarization represents the defining challenge, and opportunity, of our time. Read the full report here. Or click on each article below.

Political polarization shapes how Americans face risks
By Sebastian Hafenbrädl
Voters for Republicans or Democrats evaluate risk differently, though prosocial messaging could help to reduce those gaps.

Using trust and credibility to bridge sustainability reporting divisions
By Gaizka Ormazabal
With ESG under fire, strengthening disclosure requires stakeholder cooperation to overcome polarized thinking on sustainability reporting.

How political polarization is rewriting the marketing plan
By Chadwick Miller, Albert Valenti and Inigo Gallo
As national-populism surges, a brand’s perceived country of origin has become a key factor in shaping marketing strategies.

10 life lessons for leading in a polarized world
By Anita Bhatia
From global fragmentation to demographic change, leadership feels uncomfortable today. Here is my advice for staying balanced and resilient in this turbulent world.

Space, the final frontier of global cooperation
Polarization hasn’t killed collaboration everywhere. Space shows how rivals can work together for good. Joan Jané speaks with leaders from NASA and the Spanish and European space agencies about the future of space mobility.

Social media are dividing us. Here’s how we can fight back
By Itziar Castello-Molina
These are the business and policy choices to help make social media healthier for democracy.

Misinformation in social networks: How one bad apple can spoil the bunch
By Manuel Mueller-Frank
The bad news: just one vulnerable user can spread fake news across entire networks. The good news: raising sophistication levels can stop the rot.

CASE STUDY

When a strike looms, these are the leadership qualities that matter most
By Alejandro Moreno-Salamanca and Sebastian Hafenbrädl
A case from Spain’s ceramics industry shows how practical wisdom and prudent action — not quick fixes — are most effective when labor relations break down.

THE INTERVIEW

Purpose, partnerships and people: the keys to transformational change
JERA Global CEO and Chair Yukio Kani explains how mission-driven leadership powered a global energy transformation after Fukushima.

Data-driven pricing: unlocking profits with the right mix of data, tech, people and values
By Mihalis G. Markakis
Pricing can be a source of competitive advantage, as long as you understand the essentials and manage the data and technology well (and don’t let the data and technology manage you).

The circular economy: Are you ready?
By Anna Saez de Tejada Cuenca, Fabrizio Ferraro and Pascual Berrone
As the European Union embraces the circular economy, this is what it means for business, along with the new leadership competencies to drive change.

Beyond hiring the best: making meritocracy work
By Emilio J. Castilla
Why focusing only on “top talent” can hide bias and overlook potential — and how leaders can ensure fairer talent management strategies that expand opportunity and reward real merit.