Recent research findings indicate the need to transform the way human capital is utilized, given the technological disruption in the current business environment. This chapter aims to discuss the fundamental prerequisites necessary to bring this change, for instance, higher order critical thinking, complex problem solving, focusing on fluid intelligence, and adaptability, among others. The author also provides insights into how these changes can be successfully incorporated through cognitive diversity, hybrid competencies, and understanding millennia's changing values and integrate them in the learning process.
TopUnderstanding The Continuous Disruption Of The Current Business Environment
A recent study by EY to analyze the root causes of this disruption, revealed three main factors: “technology”, “globalization” and “demographics” (The upside of Disruption, 2017). The technological advancements have been impacting businesses since a very long time, whether its industrial revolution or the IT wave at the turn of the twenty first century. “Globalization” on the other hand has made the world a much smaller place. Around the world, the barriers in businesses have reduced considerably, thus accelerating their growth.
Demographics play a vital role in determining the business and economy settings. Most of the workplaces today across different countries are dominated by the “millennial”. Migration and urbanization have become the norm influencing the growth and development of economies (The upside of Disruption, 2017). These demographic changes have forced businesses and governments to change the way they operate and re-strategize. Due to this revolution, businesses have come under immense stress with new entrants in the market almost every other day, thus intensifying competition (Brown, Hagel, deMaar, & Wooll, 2016).
This transformation has caused companies to aggressively adapt themselves in order to stay relevant in the current scenario. This revolution is undoubtedly one of the most complex that businesses have ever encountered. The rate at which the business landscape is evolving is no longer linear but exponential.
Figure 1. From primary forces to megatrends (The Upside of Disruption, 2017)
The primary causes of disruption are continuously unfolding and giving rise to a series of “megatrends”. Eight global megatrends have been identified that are shaping the future - from Artificial Intelligence (AI) to 3D printing, machine learning to nanotechnology, rapidly growing urbanization to a rise in sustainable business practices. These megatrends are transformative in nature and have a tremendous influence on economies, businesses, trades, industries and even societies, and have seen enormous growth like never before (Schwab, 2016). One such impactful “megatrend” is the “future of work” which is fundamentally restructuring everything in the business landscape. It is essential that organizations analyze these megatrends and adapt themselves accordingly in this scenario. With the surge of these change drivers at workplaces, many traditional job roles are seemingly getting redundant. Most of the jobs are being redefined and there is a considerable shift in the scope and range of performances expected at work.