Skip to Main Content
HBS Home
  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Giving
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions
Faculty & Research
  • Faculty
  • Research
  • Featured Topics
  • Academic Units
  • …→
  • Harvard Business School→
  • Faculty & Research→
Publications
Publications
  • January 2008
  • Article
  • Harvard Business Review

How to Change the World

By: Howard H. Stevenson
  • Format:Print
ShareBar

Abstract

Alan Wilson has a decision to make. The CEO of his company, Grepter, wants him to relocate to Zurich, where he can gain valuable experience for a rise to the top. Karl, his best friend, hopes to lure him to a hedge fund that promises big money fast. Shiori, an enticing former girlfriend, wants him to join her in delivering medical care to patients in developing countries. Alan knows for sure only that he wants to make an impact. Four experts comment on this fictional case study in R0801A and R0801Z. Laura Scher, the CEO of Credo Mobile, advises Alan to consider what each option will deliver in terms of money, power, quality of life, and—most important—personal values. As long as he brings his values into the workplace, any of the three could be the right choice. Daniel Vasella, the CEO of Novartis, cautions Alan to examine what truly drives him, personally and professionally. All things considered—not least the potential hazards of working with a friend—his future looks most promising at Grepter. Barbara H. Franklin, the CEO of an international trade consulting and investment firm, thinks Alan would do well to join Shiori's enterprise. The experience with social policy might draw him to public service, where his impact on society could be significant. Christina C. Jones, the CEO of Extend Fertility, has also faced a variety of choices combined with an urge to do meaningful work. She believes that Alan should cultivate his skills at Grepter while developing a firmer notion of what he wants to be and do.

Keywords

Decision Choices and Conditions; Values and Beliefs; Compensation and Benefits; Personal Development and Career; Power and Influence

Citation

Stevenson, Howard H. "How to Change the World." Special Issue on HBS Centennial. Harvard Business Review 86, no. 1 (January 2008).
  • Find it at Harvard

About The Author

Howard H. Stevenson

→More Publications

More from the Author

    • June 2020
    • Faculty Research

    Jill Draeger, Spreadsheet for Students (Brief Case)

    By: Howard H. Stevenson and Michael J. Roberts
    • June 2020
    • Faculty Research

    Jill Draeger, Spreadsheet for Instructors (Brief Case)

    By: Howard H. Stevenson and Michael J. Roberts
    • June 2020
    • Faculty Research

    Jill Draeger

    By: Howard H. Stevenson and Michael J. Roberts
More from the Author
  • Jill Draeger, Spreadsheet for Students (Brief Case) By: Howard H. Stevenson and Michael J. Roberts
  • Jill Draeger, Spreadsheet for Instructors (Brief Case) By: Howard H. Stevenson and Michael J. Roberts
  • Jill Draeger By: Howard H. Stevenson and Michael J. Roberts
ǁ
Campus Map
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
→Map & Directions
→More Contact Information
  • Make a Gift
  • Site Map
  • Jobs
  • Harvard University
  • Trademarks
  • Policies
  • Accessibility
  • Digital Accessibility
Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College.