Have you heard the term VUCA? It comes from the 1990’s but is still in use to describe the complex and chaotic world of business, politics, and technology.
- Volatility
- Uncertainty
- Complexity
- Ambiguity
Peter Hinssen, in The Network Always Wins, describes the antidote to VUCA as VACINE.
- Velocity
- Agility
- Creativity
- Innovation
- Network [Thinking]
- Experimentation
Velocity & Agility
Velocity and agility can be improved at the organizational level with frameworks, such as Niels Pflaeging’s Organize for Complexity approach.
Image: Niels Pflaeging
Creativity & Innovation
As we moved from morality to responsibility one hundred years ago, are we now shifting from responsibility to creativity? Open human structures enable transparent knowledge sharing, which fosters innovation from a diversity of perspectives. Innovation emerges from organizations that promote experimentation.
Network Thinking & Experimentation
Finally, network thinking is developed through practice, such as personal knowledge mastery, as well as shared mental models at the organizational level. Therefore, VACINE is not a checklist but rather a confirmation of a networked workplace in balance. In a VUCA world, organizations need to focus on velocity of implementation and learning, as well as agility in dealing with uncertainty. Enabling experimentation and engaging with networks (Connectivity Networks, Alignment Networks, & Productivity Networks) ensures an understanding of the changing VUCA world. In such an organizational environment, engaged, autonomous, and connected people can then do the creative work that drives innovation.
Harold, couldn’t be in more agreement about most of this, but the pressure for velocity worries me a bit. While we want to be fast, I want to get there by agility and innovations etc. One of the recognitions that comes from research on innovation is that it takes time, and pressure can interfere. Am I misinterpreting something?
I don’t see it as pressure for going fast (velocity), but rather a need to keep up with the pace of change, Clark. It reflects the spirit of perpetual beta.
Muy acertado Harold!. A mi también me preocupa la velocidad, todo necesita su tiempo.
Entiendo que hay que ser ágiles en las respuestas pero necesitan ser fundamentadas. O no?
Velocity does not mean speed without direction, in my opinion, Mariano. It needs to be reflective of the environment.
Dear Harold, it needs both – velocity and unhurried moments – as you say change has its pace or rhythm, and so we have to find our rhythm to deal with change and finding novel ideas… Best, Nadia
Yes, reflection is as important as velocity: http://jarche.com/2014/08/reflecting-on-reflection/
ello
I am looking for a vuca prime model as a Master thesis with the necessary leadership skills to meet the vuca environment.
I need help on the practical side. After the long search I did not find
a questionnaire Appropriate to measure the model vuca negative and positive sections, for example, the volatility needs to vision and so Please provide me with measurement models if available ,please help me.
I don’t have any templates available but I would think that for a Master’s thesis you should develop your own measurement tools based on your research of the field.
All the best.