With the advent of big data, the Internet of Things, cognitive computing, and social media, it is getting more difficult to claim that one could not have understood or at least have contemplated more options, especially negative unintended effects that happen in addition to the planned favorable ones. Organizations too frequently make a decision that will produce a positive consequence then focus on the best way to execute it, scarcely stepping back to ask" What else could happen?" The system in which it exists alters.
The greater the time required to apply a decision, the more systemic changes can alter the impacts of the choice on the system. Decisions to perform Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability initiatives might affect systems in and usually involve a variety of stakeholders. A leading negative inadvertent effect, even for a CSR initiative, can damage the stakeholders' trust in the organization. This informative article proposes a 5-step procedure to answer the question ''What else could happen?'' in order to identify potential unintended adverse impacts, thereby assisting organizations in supporting their dedication to the people, planet and profit.
PUBLICATION DATE: March 15, 2016 PRODUCT #: BH731-HCB-ENG
This is just an excerpt. This case is about STRATEGY & EXECUTION
