Learning to love the “VUCA” world with Shell and Nokia: How businesses can embrace volatility, uncertainty, chaos and ambiguity

Abstract

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

There is a phenomenon that courses through the modern-day business that can be hard for many academics to fathom, namely, the penchant of jumping into a new management fad without the slightest clue as to whether it will actually improve a business. It is illogical in the manner of Doctor Spock trying to understand the sports fan’s undying love of a football team – why do not people just look at the facts so they will not be disappointed when things do not work out?

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.

Citation

(2015), "Learning to love the “VUCA” world with Shell and Nokia: How businesses can embrace volatility, uncertainty, chaos and ambiguity", Strategic Direction, Vol. 32 No. 1, pp. 19-21. https://doi.org/10.1108/SD-10-2015-0159