New challenges, new solutions: How does an IT company navigate in the VUCA era?

Abstract

Volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, (VUCA), are inherent features of the operations of every enterprise. The central research query of this article is how to utilize these attributes of the corporate environment, which inherently pose challenges, as opportunities for enterprise development. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate, using an IT enterprise as an example, that a thorough analysis of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity can help to identify essential competencies, enabling threats to be transformed into opportunities for corporate enhancement. This paper was developed employing a qualitative approach, incorporating the participant observation of one of the authors, using tools that allow a comprehensive diagnosis of the enterprise in question from a VUCA perspective and evaluating the competencies that will aid in turning threats into opportunities. The diagnosis commences with a succinct review of global literature relating to organizations in the VUCA world. The research methods and tools utilized in this paper could also serve as valuable resources for diagnosing other enterprises.