25 Jul Environment Scanning
Researchers propose the environment scanning approach as crucial for companies to sustain competitive advantage [2], [1]. define environment scanning as “a systematic way for organizations to detect changes, and hence formulate adaptive strategies for coping with uncertain”. [2] describe environment scanning “as a kind of radar to scan the world systematically and signal the new, the unexpected, the major, and the minor”. These authors insist that this is the most considered method for scanning the external environment and forecasting, and can be used when an organization embarks on discovering the critical elements that influence the environment, such as political, economic, and social, to name a few. [1] challenge [2]’s view by arguing, “in human affairs – political, social, economic, or business – it is pointless to try to predict the future”. In fact, they propose that the key lies in strategic leadership practices because the changing global economy cannot be changed, or reserved for that matter. [1] define strategic leadership “as a person’s ability to anticipate, envision, maintain flexibility, think strategically, and work with others to initiate changes that will create a viable future for the organization”. In addition, [4] asserts that to attain broader and deepen knowledge through environment scanning, attention should be paid to specific areas, specifically in relation to strategic development.
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- Thinking Futures. Environment Scanning: What It Is, How to Do It. Available: http://thinkingfutures.net/wpcontent/uploads/2010/10/ES-Guide-April-09.pdf. (2009). [Accessed date 17 July 2014].
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