Speaker(s):   Gary Pisano and Amy Edmondson (HBS)
Title:                  Towards a Behavioral Agenda for TOM Research


Abstract

Much of TOM research is focused on the design of various types of operating systems (e.g. supply chains, research, product development, manufacturing, service delivery, etc.).  While it is generally recognized that some of the most interesting and difficult “TOM situations” arise because of the way people perceive, react to, or shape the operating systems in which they work, most practice-oriented frameworks in TOM ignore (or minimize) the impact of human behavior on the system itself (that is, the focus is on getting the “design” right).   Even in formal TOM research, behavioral issues are often relegated to a secondary role.  In this workshop, we want to discuss the ways in which behavioral issues may have first-order impacts on operating systems and to examine the implications for future TOM research.  We will present an overview of the topic, use risk management as a specific case to illustrate ways behavioral concepts may be included in a research approach, and then invite general discussion from the group about implications for research in the area.