Author Malcolm Gladwell Examines Interface of Technology and Professional Bias

April 14 2011

Popular author Malcolm Gladwell (Tipping Point, Outliers, and other books about various aspects of the human condition) posed that question in a keynote address at Convergence 2011, based on his contention that even the most seasoned professionals are prone to not inconsequential errors in their jobs. As a prime example, he pointed to new data showing that professional referees and umpires show bias toward home teams because these decision makers are intimidated by home crowds...without even realizing it. 

About Jason Gumpert

As the editor of MSDynamicsWorld.com, Jason oversees all editorial content on the site and at our events, as well as providing site management and strategy. He can be reached at jgumpert@msdynamicsworld.com.

Prior to co-founding MSDynamicsWorld.com, Jason was a Principal Software Consultant at Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC), where he implemented solutions, trained customers, managed software development, and spent some time in the pre-sales engineering organization. He has also held consulting positions at CSC Consulting and Monitor Group.

More about Jason Gumpert

Comments

jason mills's picture

I was hesitant on how Malcolm was going to bring it all together but found once again how interesting his insight was. My takeaway was reviewing with each role in the company what information do they need and WHY they need it. The tools come and go; the goal is to dig into what and how information can create transparency, simplify and improve their judgement. I was curious on exploring further how to establish the value of providing these three. How can you estimate the worth/value of implementing solutions that address them. MS Dynamics GP partner in Orange, CA. Makers of the ASPDotNetStoreFront Bridge for eCommerce. www.issusa.com

Wendy_Fox's picture

The transparency message is not new, but still extremely relevant. It also seems useful to consider technology as a path to simplicity--asking the right questions rather than all the questions. Dynamics AX partner in Colorado -- www.mbsdev.com

astanton2008's picture

I often do not learn much at KeyNote presentations and yet Malcolm Gladwell once again outdid himself. His insight was a true gift and one that has continued to add to my life and to the way I approach technology and business.