Why making workers owners of large firms would be good for UK innovation

By Dr Paulina Ramirez, Lecturer in International Business and Innovation Department of Management, University of Birmingham Giving employees, whose futures are tightly linked to the long-term development of their firms, not just ownership, but also voice in both strategic and day-to-day managerial decisions, could open the way to the retention of profits. National systems of … Continue reading “Why making workers owners of large firms would be good for UK innovation”

Understanding and mitigating the risks of Brexit at a local level

By Professor Raquel Ortega-Argilés, Chair, Regional Economic Development Department of Strategy and International Business, University of Birmingham Politically, the referendum has been a shock to our system. However, Brexit may help us to look afresh at problems in the UK Our current research from the ESRC Brexit Priory Grant, ‘The Economic Impact of Brexit in … Continue reading “Understanding and mitigating the risks of Brexit at a local level”

Would you like craft with your coffee?

By Dr Scott Taylor, Reader in Leadership & Organization Studies Department of Management, University of Birmingham Craft work doesn’t guarantee happiness or satisfaction, but it comes a lot closer than the alienated work on offer in most large corporate organisations. Walking along most British high streets now, you may not find a BHS or Woolworths, … Continue reading “Would you like craft with your coffee?”

#MeToo and the male fantasy fashion robot

By Professor John Bryson, Professor of Enterprise and Economic Geography Department of Strategy and International Business, University of Birmingham On the one hand, digital supermodels would remove the physical and emotional exploitation experienced by many models. On the other hand, employment opportunities for those wanting to enter fashion modelling would be destroyed The #MeToo movement has led … Continue reading “#MeToo and the male fantasy fashion robot”

What might a post-Wonga world look like?

By Karen Rowlingson, Professor of Social Policy Department of Social Policy Sociology & Criminology, Centre on Household Assets and Savings Management, University of Birmingham The collapse of Wonga in August 2018 may be celebrated by many and mourned by few but, as Michael Sheen has reminded us, there are many other types of high cost … Continue reading “What might a post-Wonga world look like?”

From worker to robot? Artificial intelligence and future proofing jobs

By Professor John Bryson, Professor of Enterprise and Economic Geography Department of Strategy and International Business, University of Birmingham For AI, it is worth noting that its impacts will be experienced across the entire labour market, transforming both high and low paid employment. There have been many claims about the impact that artificial intelligence (AI) has on … Continue reading “From worker to robot? Artificial intelligence and future proofing jobs”

Building the foundations of change for a more responsible future in business

By Professor Richard Black, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Head of the College of Social Sciences, University of Birmingham It is our aspiration to embed responsible business values at the heart of our activities in order to achieve our civic mission The 2008 financial crisis was – or at least should have been – a wake-up call for us … Continue reading “Building the foundations of change for a more responsible future in business”

Stop expecting consumers to take action on corporate tax avoidance

By Dr Caroline Moraes, Senior Lecturer in Marketing Department of Marketing, University of Birmingham People will tell us that they prefer ethical or sustainable brands. Yet, they will not always behave in ways that resonate with their attitudes. Corporate tax avoidance has been a topical issue for a number of years. Once again, we are witnessing many … Continue reading “Stop expecting consumers to take action on corporate tax avoidance”

It’s not a baptism of fire

By Dr Ufuk Gunes Bebek, Lecturer in Economics Department of Economics, University of Birmingham Long before the most recent slump in the lira, the Turkish economy had already begun to deteriorate President Erdogan’s senior advisor Yigit Bulut’s opening line in a recent column was “August 10th has gone down as Turkey’s financial 15th of July in … Continue reading “It’s not a baptism of fire”

The Walt Disney Company: From 1920 to today’s spotlight on progressiveness

By Dr Juliet E. Kele, Research Fellow in HRM Department of Management and Lloyds Banking Group Centre for Responsible Business, University of Birmingham It is indisputable that, since its humble beginnings in the 1920s, The Walt Disney Company has become one of the most influential businesses and largest media conglomerates in the entertainment world. The … Continue reading “The Walt Disney Company: From 1920 to today’s spotlight on progressiveness”