Paper Example on Ineffective Strategic Change Due to Environmental Determinism

Introduction

The issue of climatic variability demands that social actors understand the prevailing climate and the corresponding management strategies that would help reduce its negative impacts. The social actors, in this case, include business owners, individuals, and households (Berkhout, 2012). Organization leadership needs to take advantage of opportunities presented by the prevailing environmental condition to benefit the organization other than struggling to maintain the status quo. Strategic choices in relation to environmental determinism include identification of the changes in the environmental conditions and initiating an adaptation strategy. This paper deliberates on the role of leaders in strategic choices in a case of environmental determinism challenge.

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When a leader becomes resistant to change by opposing adaptation to changes in environmental conditions, he or she risks displaying ineffective leadership qualities. Being resistant to adaptation may stall operations in an organization due to unfavorable environmental conditions (Berkhout, 2012). For instance, if a processing plant is located in the field where the raw materials are available and the weather changes making it impossible for processing to take place effectively, it is important that the leadership of the organization think of a way of solving the situation through adaptation. One of the adaptation strategies, in that case, would include the relocation of the processing plant to the company where it can operate under favorable conditions (Berkhout, 2012). The raw materials can then be transported to the company. If the management fails to adapt to the situation, then it would be termed as ineffective in handling the environmental change.

Making of wrong decisions also makes a leader ineffective in handling a change in environmental condition. Since environmental determinism predisposes the social actors to a definite development or strategic trajectories, it is important for leaders to be able to make the right decisions at the right time in terms of dealing with changes in the environmental conditions. In a situation where a company seeks to preserve its social interests, it is important that decisions made do not affect the social perspective of the company or business organization. The decisions made should ensure utility maximization and meeting of the company goals (Berkhout, 2012). For instance, ineffective leadership may either resort to the closing of the business and waiting for the favorable weather or climate to resume before activities resume. Such decisions can lead to permanent closure of the business, hence affecting the social status of the company. That is why adaptation strategies should be most considered.

Lastly, in the event of resorting to adaptation, it is important that an organization observe the most effective way to initiate the adaptation. Some factors to be considered in the company adaptation include resources, capabilities, and perceptions (Berkhout, 2012). For instance, leaders need to understand the best way to manage water in a situation of scarcity. It is also important that leaders identify the initiatives that can be achievable, taking into consideration the resources available in the organization. Over ambition may lead to failure and under ambition may also lead to underachievement.

Conclusion

In summary, environmental determinism is an important aspect to be looked at by any company that needs to succeed in any environmental condition. Leaders are expected to understand their role in strategic decisions related to environmental determinism. In some cases, the changes in the environment may pose risks that need to be averted, however, in other cases; the changes in environmental conditions can present opportunities that need to be exploited for gains. Adaptation may be the best option for handling the issues of changes in the environmental conditions that can affect the normal activities of a business organization or any other form of company. Ineffective leaders make wrong decisions, may be opposed to adaptation or adapt in a wrong way.

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