Management in Complex Environments: Questions for Leaders

Companies operating in complex environments require a rigorous understanding of the economic, political, social and conflict dynamics of which they become part. Such insight helps them navigate substantial risks and challenges, grow their business even in unexpected places, work more effectively with local, national and international actors, and make meaningful contributions to stability and development. This book combines expert analysis, company case stories, and reflections from more than 100 business leaders. Drawing on a vast repository of knowledge and experience, it poses essential questions to better understand a particular complex environment and lead the company within it. It concretely demonstrates how leaders can help their companies meet their full range of goals - technical, financial, legal, reputation and social - by addressing the questions set out in this book. It is an invaluable resource for corporate practitioners and others concerned with company operations in complex environments.

The book is the result of an intense and fruitful collaboration among the Africa Centre for Dispute Settlement, University of Stellenbosch Business School; the Corporate Engagement and Reflecting on Peace Practice Programs of CDA; the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform; the Institute for Business in the Global Context of The Fletcher School, Tufts University; the IRENE Institute of ESSEC Business School; the International Council of Swedish Industry; and the Stockholm Policy Group. Authors include Dost Bardouille-Crema, Diana Chigas, Brian Ganson, Kathleen Hamill, Paul Hollesen, Benjamin Miller, Cécile Renouard, Nicklas Svensson, and Achim Wennmann.