Hannah Aster, Author at Shortform Books

The 1980s AIDS Crisis: A Humanitarian Disaster

How did humanitarian aid help Africa during the AIDS crisis? Could have the crisis have been handled better? In his book The White Man’s Burden, economist William Easterly believes that the AIDS crisis could have been dealt with more effectively if the humanitarian aid programs had focused more on prevention and less on treatment. This stance is controversial because the utilitarian viewpoint basically ignores those who are already sick. Continue reading to learn about Easterly’s take on the AIDS crisis.

No Rules Rules: Review, Background, and Reception

Are you thinking of reading No Rules Rules? How well was the book received by critics? In No Rules Rules, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings and business professor and author Erin Meyer detail how the company achieved this level of success by implementing unconventional management practices that empower employees and promote innovation. Here is our No Rules Rules review.

The Failures of the Top-Down Aid Model

Why are the problems with the top-down aid model? Why is the humanitarian aid system flawed? In his book The White Man’s Burden, William Easterly posits that the top-down aid model is disconnected from its recipients and is a recipe for under-delivering. However, there are cases to be made for both sides of the argument. Continue reading to learn more about the flaws in the global aid system.

3 Best Practices to Prevent Employee Poaching

Are you worried that another company will poach your best employees? How can you convince employees to stay with your company? Netflix CEO Reed Hastings wrote in his book No Rules Rules that there are three ways to prevent employee poaching: paying top-of-market salaries, eliminating performance-based bonuses, and giving raises that reflect market value. Some of these methods may be difficult but it’s important to remember that good employees are investments, not tools. Here’s an overview of each of the three methods.

William Easterly: The White Man’s Burden —Overview

What is William Easterly’s The White Man’s Burden about? How was the book received by the public? Easterly’s book is controversial because he actually makes the case against providing certain types of aid to countries that are struggling. Some saw his book as revolutionary while some thought it was blasphemous. Here is a brief overview of The White Man’s Burden with a look at some of the critiques.

Netflix’s Management Strategy Explained

What is Netflix’s management strategy? How can such a huge company remain successful with so few policies? Netflix’s CEO Reed Hastings believes that employees should have as much autonomy as possible. That’s why he aims to eliminate controls so employees have the power to act in the company’s best interest without a long and complicated approval process. Here are the three benefits of Netflix’s lenient management strategy.

Surrounded by Idiots: The Yellow Personality Type

What does a Yellow personality look like? What are the strengths of the Yellow personality? In the book Surrounded by Idiots, Yellow personality types are described as charismatic, popular, and optimistic. You would seek out a Yellow personality at work if you need help finding a creative solution to a problem. Here’s everything you need to know about the Yellow personality type.

Does Economic Shock Therapy Really Work?

What is economic shock therapy? What unintended side-effects can economic shock therapy cause? Economic shock therapy is when a country removes its protectionist measures in hopes that new entrepreneurs will emerge. The goal is to take a government-controlled economy and turn it into a free-market economy. However, real-life examples proved that this method doesn’t work. Continue below for economist William Easterly’s take on economic shock therapy.

4 Rules for a Decentralized Organizational Structure

The 3 Common Characteristics of a Good Business

Do you think your company would do well with a decentralized organizational structure? What conditions must your company meet for this structure to be successful? A decentralized organizational structure removes most rules and controls and gives employees the autonomy to act without approval. In the wrong hands, this system is risky and possibly costly. But, under the right conditions, this system can promote accountability and innovation. Here’s how to successfully decentralize power, using Netflix as an example.

Surrounded by Idiots: The Blue Personality Type

What are the traits of a Blue-dominant person? For what reasons would you seek out a Blue personality? In Thomas Erikson’s book Surrounded by Idiots, Blue personalities are described as meticulous, knowledgeable, and cautious. You would seek out a Blue-dominant person at work if you needed to make sure something is organized and done right the first time. Continue below to learn all about the Blue personality type.

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