Leading in uncertain times: An interview with Charles-Edouard Bouée, Chief Operating Officer, Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, and author of Light Footprint Management

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide an interview Charles-Edouard Bouée, Chief Operating Officer, Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, and author of Light Footprint Management.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides an interview Charles-Edouard Bouée, Chief Operating Officer, Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, and author of Light Footprint Management.

Findings

Discusses the Light Footprint (LFP) approach to management, which is prevalent in Chinese businesses as a response to the volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) environment they operate in. Originality/value

Originality/value

Outlines the etymological origins of strategy, the differences between Chinese and western management styles. Opines that the LFP management style, which grew out of American military doctrine, will allow organizations to adapt and thrive during times of uncertainty.

Citation

(2014), "Leading in uncertain times: An interview with Charles-Edouard Bouée, Chief Operating Officer, Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, and author of Light Footprint Management", Strategic Direction, Vol. 30 No. 1, pp. 31-33. https://doi.org/10.1108/SD-12-2013-0102