Qualitative risk

“We live in a moment of history where change is so speeded up that we begin to see the present only when it is already disappearing (Laing in Olson & Eoyang 2001: xiii). This is a harsh reality depicting a truth about an era in time in which the only key to corporate survival lies within the ability an organisation has to create flexibility and adapt to change. Traditionally, corporate attention has focused on quantitative analysis to mitigate risk however the use of numbers and mathematical formulas alone fall short in that they do not possess the softer qualities, evident in life, required to engender flexibility and bring about change. These qualities are ‘intangible’ in a sense as they exist as a result of the complexities that govern a higher natural order. This study aims to reveal the qualities of such an order and in so doing place risk into a contextual understanding not often considered. It is targeted towards an audience of open minded thinkers who are seeking an opportunity to perceive risk from a truly fresh perspective. It is an exploratory work designed to stimulate thought and contribute toward change.