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Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Occupational hazards are an unfortunate way of life for workers in many industries. For some, the risk of serious injury or illness is considerable. More positive is the decline over recent decades in the number of such incidents reported. However, in Western nations the cost of injury or illness at work remains substantial. Statistics show that in European Union (EU) countries, it can range between 2.6 per cent and 3.8 per cent of GDP. Regulations and conditions within specific labor markets help determine where these costs are absorbed. There are wide variations across countries in terms of how injured employees are compensated during their time off work. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – Learning is fundamental to the growth and success of any organization. And any business that fails to comprehend its importance is surely destined for a place among the also-rans. Various possibilities exist where learning and development is concerned. One such option gaining in popularity is mentoring. It has now become recognized as having a key role in the personal and professional development of those participating in such programs. Mentoring typically involves an older person imparting their knowledge and experience to a less worldly individual placed under their guidance. Enabling the “mentee” to learn thus tends to be the main objective of these arrangements. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) It only seems like yesterday when CSR and business success were deemed mutually exclusive. How times have changed. Organizations now realize that being a good citizen can prove hugely beneficial all round. Author Peter Robinson succinctly captured the shift in perception when claiming ethics to be the "new competitive environment".Despite the importance attached to CSR, a universal definition remains elusive. This can be largely attributed to the fact that the concept has scope to mean different things to different people in different circumstances. Notwithstanding this, all firms engaging with CSR are essentially pledging to conduct their business in ways that protect the interests of current and future generations.The number of elements in CSR models proposed is subject to some variation. However, fundamental to most are economic, legal and ethical responsibilities. Consumer belief that firms have a moral obligation to behave in certain ways makes the latter particularly significant.Addressing the needs of the various internal and external stakeholders is frequently a key part of such expectations. This might include a focus on issues like employee rights, health and safety in the workplace, product quality and safety, charitable work, education activities and environmental conservation.

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Heightened competition has become the norm for most organizations operating in the current business climate. Globalization is often cited as a key reason for this. The seemingly incessant emergence of new technologies is another. In the face of such developments, markets evolve accordingly. With firms facing increasingly tougher challenges, the spotlight on employees has intensified. The extent of technological advances means that work is no longer wholly defined by conventional boundaries of space and time. For many people, normal working hours have become something of an anachronism. The advent of the smartphone is especially significant in this respect. An increasing number of employees are now using these and other similar devices to routinely perform workplace duties in their own time. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.