Emma O'Brien and Phillipa Robertson
With tectonic plate shifting change and continuous uncertainty, a reliance on leadership competencies rooted in the past will no longer be successful. Instead, it is argued that…
Abstract
Purpose
With tectonic plate shifting change and continuous uncertainty, a reliance on leadership competencies rooted in the past will no longer be successful. Instead, it is argued that the emerging business environment now demands a new set of leadership skills that are aligned to the requirements of the future. This paper aims to address these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
A foresight orientation was taken to identify leadership skills necessary for success in the near future. Based on in‐depth analysis of key business, societal, organisational and leadership trends, nine key leadership competencies were identified. An exploratory study was then conducted to assess the current level of future leadership capability in a diverse sample included of current and emerging leaders from a variety of organisations across Europe and Asia Pacific.
Findings
Results suggest that both current and emerging organisational leaders are significantly under prepared for the challenges ahead.
Research limitations/implications
The present study provides a starting‐point for further research exploring the leadership capabilities needed for success in the emerging business environment.
Practical implications
It is argued that unless organisations begin to cultivate requisite skills for the future, they will inevitably forfeit their potential for future success.
Originality/value
The paper adds clear value to the field of study due to its unique futures perspective and orientation, in addition to its practical applications.
Details
Keywords
Aarhus Kommunes Biblioteker (Teknisk Bibliotek), Ingerslevs Plads 7, Aarhus, Denmark. Representative: V. NEDERGAARD PEDERSEN (Librarian).
THIS issue forms the conclusion of Volume LX of THE LIBRARY WORLD, and from the editorial point of view we regard the last issue as the final stage in the completion of an…
Abstract
THIS issue forms the conclusion of Volume LX of THE LIBRARY WORLD, and from the editorial point of view we regard the last issue as the final stage in the completion of an entirely separate undertaking—in much the same way that we regard December 31st as completing an independent calendar episode—for in one moment a whole present period of time suddenly becomes a part of the past; and we incline to review this (no longer current) volume of THE LIBRARY WORLD in brief fashion, and to mention the considerable changes which it has witnessed, not only in its own make‐up, but also in the make‐up of the library world.