Shhh! You Probably Can’t Say That at Work!

In today's fast-paced business world, leaders must navigate complex social and political landscapes while driving economic success. UVA Darden faculty are at the forefront of these discussions, offering insights in top-tier publications. From workplace taboos to corporate activism and political strategy, these articles tackle issues that are top of mind for today’s leaders.

Dive into our professors' latest thought leadership in the three articles below:

What You Still Can’t Say at Work

Ever wanted to say something at work, but thought twice out of fear of what might happen? You’re not alone.

There are some things you can’t say at work, no matter how much you believe them, writes Jim Detert in MIT Sloan Management Review. For example:

• “I’m not motivated to work harder or innovate when you and your bosses get most of the credit and all the bonus money.”
• “Employee engagement is low because key leaders aren’t trusted or respected and nothing serious gets done about that.”
• “I can’t make good decisions unless you and your bosses are more transparent with financial or strategic details.”
• “I think we’re growing and making enough money right now.”

Detert adds that as a senior leader, it would be hard to respond if you heard any of the above — because you’d be so surprised that someone said that to you.

Why?

Every company has what Detert calls “deep rules.” These are the rules that reflect the tacit understanding of what can’t be said, even in places that have surface-level psychological safety.

“This form of hidden power undermines well-being for most people and, in many cases, ultimately undermines even the leaders who seemingly benefit,” he writes.

How to change this dynamic? For starters, people with more power must take the lead on change, Detert says.

How Harris can narrow the voter gap on the economy

With the election just around the corner, polls show a tight contest between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

Nicholas Sargen, an economic consultant who is affiliated with UVA Darden, writes in The Hill that Harris’s ability to convince voters to trust her handling of the economy could be key to her electoral success.

“But this is a tall order for two reasons,” he says. “First, voters know that inflation was low during Trump’s presidency, before it surged under the Biden administration. Second, the ‘opportunity economy’ plan that Harris unveiled last month was widely criticized for lacking a cogent explanation of how she would tackle inflation.” 

Reducing the Risks of Corporate Activism

Businesses today are increasingly voicing their opinions on social matters, but this approach can alienate significant portions of their customer base. However, there’s a way to lower the chances that will happen, writes UVA Darden’s Kim Whitler and co-author Thomas Barta in Harvard Business Review.

They say company leaders should carefully evaluate two key factors before making public declarations or initiating campaigns: the level of controversy surrounding the issue, and the alignment of the company's stance with its core purpose and principles.

By doing so, organizations can better navigate the complex landscape of corporate social responsibility while minimizing potential backlash.