VUCA

Many modern challenges are characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, and are, in part, the result of the digitization and globalization of markets.

For this reason, the VUCA concept (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) has become increasingly important for management and consulting. The concept itself is becoming more essential, as long as the four VUCA dimensions are clearly differentiated from one another and thus make it possible to understand complex situations in a more nuanced way.

Volatility: Situations are rarely stable, but rather changes are often rapid, significant, and occur in an irregular manner.

Uncertainty: It is not clear when anything will happen and what the results will entail.

(Structural) Complexity: The large number of aspects and their interconnectedness make it difficult to get a complete overview of the situation.

Ambiguity: The situation is described and assessed differently by different people with different perspectives.

The differentiation of the four VUCA dimensions supports selecting appropriate communication and visualization methods to better deal with difficult situations.