Problems Unsolved and a Nation Divided

Michael E. Porter; Jan   Rivkin; Mihir   Desai; Manjari  Raman

Report | 2016

Problems Unsolved and a Nation Divided: The State of U.S. Competitiveness 2016

by Michael E. Porter, Jan Rivkin, Mihir Desai and Manjari Raman

Abstract

In this report, the authors synthesize their views on U.S. competitiveness and unveil the findings of the 2016 HBS surveys on U.S. competitiveness. Specifically, the report documents the faltering performance of the U.S. economy and the erosion of America’s business environment; makes a case for a national economic strategy that encompasses action by leaders in government, business, education, and other sectors; proposes a set of economic priorities for federal policy and assesses (the lack of) progress on those priorities; discusses in depth the prospects for federal tax reform; and argues that dysfunction in America's political system, especially in Washington, is the single largest threat to U.S. competitiveness.

Keywords: U.S. competitiveness; Competitive Strategy; Macroeconomics; Government and Politics; United States;

Language: English

Format: Print

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Citation:

Porter, Michael E., Jan Rivkin, Mihir Desai, and Manjari Raman. "Problems Unsolved and a Nation Divided: The State of U.S. Competitiveness 2016." Report, U.S. Competitiveness Project, Harvard Business School, September 2016.

This case describes how caregiving responsibilities influence American employees, firms, and the broader economy. It details how sociodemographic trends in the late 20th century transformed the way that Americans balance their personal and professional lives, analyzing changes such as the evolving role of women in the economy, the rise of non-traditional households, the increasing cost and complexity of healthcare, and the aging and ailing of the U.S. population. The case then reflects on how such changes impact the productivity and profitability of the modern American company. It reviews survey data employees and employers to understand how caregiving impacts individual careers and firms’ profitability. The case concludes by asking readers to “rethink” how care might be provided by employers. It analyzes recent research on the return-on-investment of caregiving benefits, describes ways that firms are expanding their caregiving benefits coverage, and discusses the importance for managers to understand internal “care demographics” and promulgate a culture that supports caregiving.

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Problems Unsolved and a Nation Divided: The State of U.S. Competitiveness 2016

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