One online business networking site is outstripping its rivals. Not all

On average Australians invest 80% of their money locally and 20% with

Many big name corporations boast codes of conduct to ensure suppliers are responsible in environmental and workplace standards. Sounds promising, but how accountable are they? It's not hard for an unscrupulous contractor to pull the wool over a corporation's eyes. The Fair Labour Association finds an average 17 violations every time it conducts an audit, and many problems are recurring due to commercial pressures in supply chains. These days those who claim it's not possible to compete cost-wise and prioritise workplace human rights can look to China to see that raising standards and competitiveness are not mutually exclusive.

Information rage and email stress are symptoms of an overfilled inbox. With the average corporate employee receiving more than 100 emails a day, there's a pressing need to learn ways to manage email efficiently. In the battle to quell inbox insurgence, companies are introducing email-free days, audits and training courses. Problems exist both with senders and receivers. It's been assumed that, because we all use email, we know what we're doing, says Richard Vidgen, head of Information Systems at the Australian School of Business. While a big picture solution lies with organisations, role-modelling good email behaviour also helps.

For supermarkets Coles and Woolworths, milk became the first weapon of choice in their rampant discounting war because consumers are emotionally attached to it. The battle for the hearts and dollars of Australian consumers has distressed the dairy industry, threatened small shopkeepers and prompted a Senate inquiry. It also has revealed the major supermarkets' brand power and, consumer advocates warn, their competitive bravado may have a serious kickback in shoppers' hip pockets. While all eyes are on the two protagonists' next moves, Australian School of Business marketing professor Paul Patterson suggests they are looking out for fresh competitors.

The perpetual need to wear a happy face at work can lead to high stress and eventual burnout, particularly for those who wrangle irate customers and distressed patients. Giving service staff support and permission to vent about the frustrations of the job is one way to keep stress under control. Time out for just a few minutes may do the trick. But some personality types are better than others at dealing with cantankerous customers. Research from the Australian School of Business shows recruiting emotionally intelligent frontline staff may offer a better long-term solution for everyone, including narky customers who are on the alert for emotional authenticity.

Solutions to the European debt crisis were never expected to be set-and-forget. Now Ireland has its hand out for 24 billion euros to keep its banking system afloat. Portugal also wants a bailout, while Spain's economy is unravelling. Greece continues to struggle with the confines of its new austerity. There's a rise of nationalism among some members of the European Union and speculation is mounting that some may opt out of the eurozone altogether. But for a deeply indebted nation, such as Greece, switching currencies again is irrational. Defaulting may present a better option, says Wolfgang Buehler, a professor of Finance at the Australian School of Business.

Many of the world's great leaders are narcissists. Self-belief, ambition and energy drive their pioneering creative spirits and often this has a positive effect on business. Why is narcissism such a dirty word, then? Because its flipside can be collateral damage as it impacts on staff, and promotes risky, illegal or immoral behaviour and greed. An egotistical leader may suffer as well, as he or she loses a sense of self. Psychologists say the root cause of the disorder is found in childhood. Coincidentally, even Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, was a case in point. How can the advantages of narcissism be harnessed and the destructive consequences avoided?

Social intrapreneurs start initiatives inside companies that have far-reaching benefits, both for the employer and the wider community. While some enlightened bosses empower these entrepreneurial altruists and reap profits and kudos as a result, others regard the corporate innovators with indifference or hostility. A new study looks at the motivators for social intrapreneurship across the world. What inspires bold individuals to step beyond traditional corporate boundaries and how do they achieve cut-through? What makes a corporation see sense in these provocateurs' socially advantageous notions? Tone at the top and talent programs are key.

Multitasking is the order of the day in 21st century households because parents are most likely to care for kids while trying to stay on top of domestic duties. New research from the Australian School of Business on productive time use shows that women are more adept at juggling childcare with housework than men. The dishwasher, the microwave and other labour-saving devices also get credit for the kids' excellent school grades. Is this a plot to put women back in the kitchen? Definitely not! As further research spotlights the economic value of productivity and explores how women's talents translate to the workplace, their multifaceted abilities may also offer a measurable bonus for business.