THE CONVERGENCE CONTINUUM: NAVIGATING STAKEHOLDER DILEMMAS IN DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENTS
Keywords:
Stakeholder engagement, complex dilemmas, VUCA, BANIAbstract
The contemporary business landscape is increasingly defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) [2], and more recently, by brittleness, anxiety, nonlinearity, and incomprehensibility (BANI) [67]. These conditions generate complex dilemmas requiring organizations to integrate diverse and often conflicting stakeholder perspectives. Traditional linear problem-solving and siloed engagement approaches are insufficient. This article introduces the "Continuum of Convergence" framework, a novel approach inspired by the continuous nature of topological spaces, like the Möbius strip [42, 43]. This framework posits that seemingly opposing viewpoints are interconnected facets of a larger reality, enabling organizations to transcend dualistic thinking and foster synergistic solutions. Drawing upon principles from polarity management [26, 27], systems thinking [57], cognitive psychology [30, 37], and relational dynamics [11, 28, 29], the framework outlines four phases: Diagnosis of Divergence, Exploration of Interconnectedness, Co-Creation of Synergistic Pathways, and Sustained Adaptation and Integration. Conceptual applications demonstrate its potential to enhance decision-making in ambiguous environments, foster cross-cultural collaboration, and build organizational resilience. The framework calls for a shift towards "both/and" leadership and a commitment to continuous learning, offering a transformative pathway for organizations to thrive amidst complexity.
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