Navigating Uncertainty: The Role of Institutional and Action Research in a VUCA and BANI World
View(s):Now we are in a period of uncertainties. Before COVID-19, we used the term “epidemic,” anyway with the different experiences of COVID-19 we started to discuss something called “pandemic.”. COVID-19 has sent the message of this “uncertainty” and this same message has triggered unexpected confrontations between different regions and unexpected climate change in the world.
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In this context, we discuss the VUCA and BANI world. «VUCA» and «BANI» are two frameworks or concepts used to describe and understand the modern world›s rapidly changing and uncertain nature. They provide insights into the challenges and characteristics of our contemporary environment. Businesses often use the VUCA framework to develop strategic plans that are adaptable to changing circumstances. On the other hand, the BANI framework is often used by businesses to identify emerging trends and opportunities for innovation. VUCA is an acronym that stands for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. It is used to describe the challenging and unpredictable nature of the modern business and global environment. The BANI framework is a concept used to describe the characteristics of the modern world, particularly in the context of business, technology, and societal changes. BANI stands for Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible, and it provides insights into the challenges and dynamics of contemporary environments.
In this context, the utilisation of action research is paramount important. Action research is a systematic approach to problem-solving and inquiry that is typically employed in various fields, including education, social sciences, and business. It involves an ongoing, iterative process of gathering data, analysing it, and implementing changes to address specific issues or challenges. When applied to the context of resilience, adaptability, and sustainability, action research can be a valuable tool for individuals, organisations, and communities to develop strategies for long-term success and environmental responsibility. Action research can be particularly effective in addressing complex, interconnected challenges related to resilience, adaptability, and sustainability. It promotes a dynamic and responsive approach, allowing you to adjust strategies as circumstances change. If we specifically relate to the subject domain of education ,Action research is a valuable approach in the field of education. It empowers educators and administrators to engage in a systematic and reflective process to bring about positive changes in teaching, learning, and the educational environment.
Furthermore, Action research in education is a dynamic process that can lead to tangible improvements in teaching and learning. It is particularly valuable for addressing specific challenges within a school or classroom, as it allows educators to take a hands-on, problem-solving approach to effecting positive change. It also encourages reflective and evidence-based practice, which is fundamental in the field of education. Both VUCA and BANI highlight the need for individuals, organisations, and societies to be prepared for a world marked by rapid change, unpredictability, and complexity. Strategies for thriving in these environments often include fostering adaptability, continuous learning, scenario planning, and developing a greater capacity for resilience in the face of challenges.Hence the need for institutional and action research cannot be underestimated.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka needs to understand the value of different research approaches and new dimensions in the world .There should be policy discussions among different stakeholders on this with the plan for the year 2030. Development is not for the short run . Instead, it should be sustainable. Thus, there is a need to understand what is meant by “sustainable development”. Sustainable development can be defined as: “the Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” (The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)).It is important for the country to have priorities in different sectors and align them with the competencies and capabilities of different people. In that scenario, there should be proper Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Sri Lanka to ascertain whether we are achieving relevant objectives as well.
Note : This article is based on the Keynote Speech made by the author in the 5th Asian Virtual Conference on Institutional and Action Research 2023 (5th AVCIAR 2023) November 23-25, 2023 Under the Theme of “Charting a Path Forward: Innovations in Institutional and Action Research for Resilience, Adaptability, and Sustainability”
(The writer is a Professor in Management Studies Open University of Sri Lanka and You can reach Professor Abeysekera on nalinabeysekera@gmail.com.)
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