HBR IdeaCast How Political Polarization Is Changing Work
Apr 12, 2022
Julia Minson, an associate professor at the Harvard Kennedy School, and Francesca Gino, a professor at Harvard Business School, tackle the rising trend of political discussions in the workplace. They discuss how political polarization affects team dynamics and personal relationships, especially in remote settings. The duo emphasizes the need for constructive dialogue and offers strategies to handle workplace conflicts. They also highlight the dangers of groupthink in leadership roles, advocating for diverse perspectives to drive innovation and understanding.
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Growing Polarization
- People are more divided on various issues, from masking to economic inequality.
- Dislike towards opposing viewpoints is increasing.
Workplace Spillover
- The blend of work and home life makes it easy for political feelings to spill into professional settings.
- Virtual interactions can make disagreements more costly due to the lack of personal connection.
Social Media's Role
- Social media contributes to polarization by creating echo chambers.
- Constant exposure to supporting views makes opposing viewpoints seem more unreasonable.