Linear Thinking in a Nonlinear World

In which scenario do you consume most Pizza?

• A. You eat one 12-inch pizza.
• B. You eat two 8-inch pizzas.

If you are skilled in math you probably know how to calculate an area of a circle and thereby know that alternative A is correct. There rest of us would would choose alternative B.

This article explains why it so important to understand nonlinear functions and ends with the statement: "It’s time that management professionals joined these other disciplines in developing greater awareness of the pitfalls of linear thinking in a nonlinear world. This will increase their ability to choose wisely—and to help the people around them make good decisions too."

HBR-article by Bart de Langhe, Stefano Puntoni and Richard Larrick