The role of a leader in shaping employee behaviour in the VUCA/BANI world
The challenges of the turbulent VUCA/BANI world, faced by modern organisations, have led to a different perception of the role of a leadership. An organisation is often able to overcome difficulties owing to a leader who does not only make strategic decisions, but also supports employees. The aim of this article is to identify the role of a leader in shaping employee behaviour in companies in the VUCA/BANI era.
IRMSA Risk Report – South Africa Risks 2017
The third edition of the IRMSA South Africa Risks Report is presented at a time of profound change. The populist anti-globalization wave that produced majority votes for Donald Trump in the United States and for Brexit in the United Kingdom is the consequence of the “anti-establishment” flag that has been raising its head around the world. This flag has been discussed by Clem Sunter and Dr Chantell Ilbury at the IRMSA Risk Report launches over the past two years and represents the growing lack of faith in professional politicians in America, Britain, Europe, Australia and many other countries. Trends and events of this nature remind us that South Africa and organisations operating within its borders are exposed to a myriad of external threats and opportunities, beyond those that are solely internally driven. South Africa’s risk landscape has been equally, or perhaps even more, volatile than the global environment during 2016.
From Box-Ticking to Boardroom Strategy: Elevating Risk Management for Modern Organisations
Decision-centric risk management integrates risk analysis into all strategic and operational decisions, enabling organisations to anticipate threats and opportunities, thus driving value and resilience. By contrast, compliance-centric risk management focuses on adherence to laws, regulations, and internal policies, prioritising the avoidance of breaches over strategic enablement. While both approaches safeguard the organisation, the decision-centric model is proactive and dynamic, embedding risk into business strategy and innovation, whereas compliance-centric methods may foster a checkbox mentality. Leading organisations combine both, ensuring compliance forms a foundational baseline while decision-centric practices drive growth and competitive advantage.
From Guidance to Action: Exploring Practical Enterprise Risk Management
COSO’s “From Guidance to Action: Exploring Practical Enterprise Risk Management” (2026) focuses on making ERM decision‑useful rather than compliance‑driven. It argues that strategy and risk are inseparable and that ERM should influence real choices, not just generate registers, heat maps and RCSAs. The paper introduces ten ERM operating disciplines, including linking strategy and risk, treating value creation as a required outcome, making risk appetite usable, managing risk as a portfolio, prioritising decisions over documentation, measuring value not activity, and embedding ERM into business rhythms. It emphasises lightweight, decision‑led practices: clear trade‑offs, ranges, triggers and ownership at key decision points. Through personas, case examples and a practitioner “translation guide”, it shows how organisations can apply the COSO ERM Framework under real constraints to provide clearer choices, earlier pivots, fewer surprises and stronger board confidence.
Case Study: Navigating Risk Management Challenges in African Business Operations
African businesses face a complex and evolving risk landscape, with challenges ranging from economic instability to cybersecurity threats. This case study examines the risk management strategies employed by a large South African grocery retailer operating across the continent.
Case Study: Labour Law Compliance in South Africa’s Retail Sector
ABC Retailers tackled South Africa's complex labour laws head-on, transforming challenges into triumphs. Through digital innovation, policy overhauls, and expert guidance, they boosted compliance rates, slashed legal risks, and cultivated employee trust. Their journey showcases how savvy retailers can navigate regulatory waters whilst fostering a fair, efficient workplace.
Case Study: Implementing Effective Threat Assessments for Resilience in African Organisations
AfriTech Solutions tackled Africa's complex risk landscape head-on with a cutting-edge threat assessment strategy. By embracing multi-dimensional analysis, stakeholder engagement, and AI-powered tools, the company bolstered its resilience against cyber threats, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory challenges. The result? Enhanced risk awareness and improved resource allocation across the board.