<p>Background: Due to constant changes and unpredictability in a turbulent environment, the traditional way of planning does not seem to work anymore. Therefore, new approaches to the external and internal conditions need to develop in order to cope with the environmental turbulence. </p><p>Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to define a turbulent environment and identify how an organisation can cope with this environment. Procedure: We have developed a frame of reference mainly consisting of theories regarding a turbulent environment and change. In addition, we have selected eight guiding factors, which we have used when studying, systemising, and comparing how contemporary literature suggests that an organisation can cope with a turbulent environment. </p><p>Results: The conclusions we have come to are that with a definition of the environment as being fast-changing and of chaotic nature, where the changes are continuous, emergent, small, big or somewhere in between, and where paradoxes play an important role, it is necessary to develop an organisational structure, leadership, human resource, and corporate culture, in which the objective always is to create dynamics and to build in an acceptance of change.</p>

Background: Due to constant changes and unpredictability in a turbulent environment, the traditional way of planning does not seem to work anymore. Therefore, new approaches to the external and internal conditions need to develop in order to cope with the environmental turbulence. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to define a turbulent environment and identify how an organisation can cope with this environment. Procedure: We have developed a frame of reference mainly consisting of theories regarding a turbulent environment and change. In addition, we have selected eight guiding factors, which we have used when studying, systemising, and comparing how contemporary literature suggests that an organisation can cope with a turbulent environment. Results: The conclusions we have come to are that with a definition of the environment as being fast-changing and of chaotic nature, where the changes are continuous, emergent, small, big or somewhere in between, and where paradoxes play an important role, it is necessary to develop an organisational structure, leadership, human resource, and corporate culture, in which the objective always is to create dynamics and to build in an acceptance of change.

The fact that we have entered turbulent times has been a central theme in the recent strategy literature. Turbulent environments are commonly described by increased competitive intensity, disruptive changes in the industry structure, volatility of demand, and unpredictability of customer behaviour, alongside instability of economic, social and political factors. In such a context, the adoption of traditional approaches to strategy, which assumes a relatively stable world, have been questioned by new approaches. Mixed strategy, which emerged as a contingency option to Porter's generic strategies model, defends that in a turbulent environment the simultaneous pursuit of the low-cost and differentiation approaches is fundamental for the short-term performance and long-term survival of the firm. A vast corpus of literature supports the benefits of adopting a mixed approach strategy: several empirical studies have proved that a combination of low-cost and differentiation strategic elements establishes a firm's performance superiority over the pure strategy choice. The mixed literature has concentrated on the performance linkage and on the debate countering the pure strategy approach, however very little attention has been paid to the challenges presented by the mixed strategy implementation. In fact, despite the rich empirical literature, it is still not clear how firms that adopt a mixed strategy may successfully integrate the inherent contradiction of the low-cost and differentiation approaches. The aim of this study is to investigate how a firm has been implementing the mixed strategy approach, unveiling its managerial characteristics and to generate a proposed managerial framework that could serve as a guide for further implementation. This study approaches the subject of mixed strategy implementation on three levels: environment, strategy definition and making process, and value chain activity. After having elucidated several ambiguities related to the concept of mixed strategy present in the literature and having proposed a normalized definition, this study investigates through a unique case study approach, an in-depth explorative process using causal process methods the managerial implication of the mixed strategy. Several characteristics are revealed from the unique case study and represent a major contribution to the field of strategy management. Furthermore, a managerial framework is proposed which could serve as support in the implementation of a mixed strategy.

In South Africa, the small business sector has been identified as a sector that is not performing optimally. In a turbulent environment, this type of small business profile is magnified. Therefore, it is important to examine mechanisms through which the performance of this sector can be enhanced. Dynamic capabilities have emerged as a strategic tool of the highest order in terms of firm management and strengthening these capabilities is a key concern for firms that operate in a turbulent environment. Dynamic capabilities are described as the processes required to reconfigure existing resources into new functional competencies. Therefore, this study investigated the strategic processes of small businesses and developed a new strategic model and theory to illustrate and elucidate intervention mechanisms and strategies to strengthen the dynamic capabilities of these small businesses. Methodology: The retail community pharmacy sector was chosen as a model sector for this study since it is a sector that comprises mainly of small businesses and it is currently experiencing environmental turbulence. The methodology followed an initial exploratory, qualitative approach followed by a formal, empirical, quantitative approach. The research questionnaire was derived after ensuring that content validity, criterion related validity, construct validity and reliability criteria were met. This questionnaire was administered to a sample of 477 out of a population of 2549 small businesses in the retail community pharmacy sector, using an unrestricted, simple, random, probability sampling approach. As a consequence of having received 130 completed questionnaires, the results obtained in this study were expressed at the 95% confidence level with a confidence interval of 0.08. Results and Discussion: From a gap analysis of the level of importance of dynamic capabilities and their extent of implementation, seven dynamic capabilities whose implementation can be enhanced by an alteration of the management importance perception of them, were extracted. These capabilities revolve around staff reward, well-being, empowerment and education and training, as well as the abilities of the small business leadership to sense the environment and opportunities while being sensitive to stakeholder needs. Through a consolidation of the results of the gap analysis, a model for the initiation and the sustaining of innovative resource reconfigurations was developed. Conclusion: For the management practice setting, this study�s findings suggest that the dynamic capabilities of small firms operating in a turbulent environment can be enhanced and strengthened by the employment of the model developed by this study. From a management education perspective, this study�s findings also suggest that the employment of specific and focussed management education that revolves around the seven identified processes will enable not only the initiating phase of the proposed model but will also provide a multiplier effect in the model since management capability is also part of the general resource base of the firm. This study thus proposes the use of these management practice and educational approaches to strengthen and enhance the dynamic capabilities of small businesses operating in a turbulent environment. / Graduate School of Business Leadership / D. BL.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar o incorporador imobiliário, sua ação empreendedora e influência na produção do ambiente construído. Para isso, foi tomado como base o conhecimento de como os incorporadores agem ou reagem às políticas e às regulamentações legais e como podem ser estimulados ou desestimulados, em razão do interesse público. Foi estudada a formulação estratégica no caso de sete empresas que atuaram de maneira significativa no mercado imobiliário de São Paulo, no segmento residencial, entre os anos 1960 e 1980: Construtora Adolpho Lindenberg, Hindi Cia. Brasileira de Habitações, Construtora Anhembi (sucedida pela Construtora Romeu Chap Chap), Sobloco, Construtora Luciano Wertheim, Construtora Albuquerque & Takaoka e Construtora Alfredo Mathias. O período analisado coincide com uma fase de grande desenvolvimento econômico no país e também de muita instabilidade. A narrativa foi elaborada com base nas teorias dos estudos de caso e da historiografia. As evidências foram analisadas sob a luz da Administração Estratégica, com foco sobre os efeitos de uma estratégia empresarial centrada num “empreendedor", em um ambiente turbulento e num ramo de negócios complexo e de alto risco. Esse modelo estratégico adotado pelas empresas possibilitou obter sucesso na atividade de produção de residências, diante das oportunidades repentinas, surgidas no mercado paulistano, mas também mostrou suas limitações. Este trabalho também discute a questão das inovações na produção habitacional e a relação dos incorporadores com a prática do planejamento urbano. Essas compreensões podem proporcionar melhorias na gestão urbana. / This paper analyses Brazilian Real Estate developers, their entrepreneurship and influence on the built environment. Research has been focused on how the developers act and react depending on the public policies and urban laws and how they could be stimulated to act according to the public interest. The research approach adopted was that of studying the strategic formulation of seven companies that have developed housing units in the São Paulo Real Estate market, between 1960 and 1980,: Construtora Adolpho Lindenberg, Hindi Cia. Brasileira de Habitações, Construtora Anhembi (and its inheritor, Construtora Romeu Chap Chap), Sobloco, Construtora Luciano Wertheim, Construtora Albuquerque & Takaoka and Construtora Alfredo Mathias. In this period of time, there had been economic development but also a great instability. The narrative was enacted using case studies and historiography theories. The evidences were analyzed under the concepts of Strategic Management. The study analyses the effects of a strategy focused on the entrepreneur, facing a turbulent environment, in a high risk and complex business. The strategic model enables to get success in the housing market when the opportunities has rise, but also has showed its limitations. This paper also discusses the questions of innovation in Real Estate and the relationship between developers and planners. This comprehension could help to reach a better urban management.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar o incorporador imobiliário, sua ação empreendedora e influência na produção do ambiente construído. Para isso, foi tomado como base o conhecimento de como os incorporadores agem ou reagem às políticas e às regulamentações legais e como podem ser estimulados ou desestimulados, em razão do interesse público. Foi estudada a formulação estratégica no caso de sete empresas que atuaram de maneira significativa no mercado imobiliário de São Paulo, no segmento residencial, entre os anos 1960 e 1980: Construtora Adolpho Lindenberg, Hindi Cia. Brasileira de Habitações, Construtora Anhembi (sucedida pela Construtora Romeu Chap Chap), Sobloco, Construtora Luciano Wertheim, Construtora Albuquerque & Takaoka e Construtora Alfredo Mathias. O período analisado coincide com uma fase de grande desenvolvimento econômico no país e também de muita instabilidade. A narrativa foi elaborada com base nas teorias dos estudos de caso e da historiografia. As evidências foram analisadas sob a luz da Administração Estratégica, com foco sobre os efeitos de uma estratégia empresarial centrada num “empreendedor”, em um ambiente turbulento e num ramo de negócios complexo e de alto risco. Esse modelo estratégico adotado pelas empresas possibilitou obter sucesso na atividade de produção de residências, diante das oportunidades repentinas, surgidas no mercado paulistano, mas também mostrou suas limitações. Este trabalho também discute a questão das inovações na produção habitacional e a relação dos incorporadores com a prática do planejamento urbano. Essas compreensões podem proporcionar melhorias na gestão urbana. / This paper analyses Brazilian Real Estate developers, their entrepreneurship and influence on the built environment. Research has been focused on how the developers act and react depending on the public policies and urban laws and how they could be stimulated to act according to the public interest. The research approach adopted was that of studying the strategic formulation of seven companies that have developed housing units in the São Paulo Real Estate market, between 1960 and 1980,: Construtora Adolpho Lindenberg, Hindi Cia. Brasileira de Habitações, Construtora Anhembi (and its inheritor, Construtora Romeu Chap Chap), Sobloco, Construtora Luciano Wertheim, Construtora Albuquerque & Takaoka and Construtora Alfredo Mathias. In this period of time, there had been economic development but also a great instability. The narrative was enacted using case studies and historiography theories. The evidences were analyzed under the concepts of Strategic Management. The study analyses the effects of a strategy focused on the entrepreneur, facing a turbulent environment, in a high risk and complex business. The strategic model enables to get success in the housing market when the opportunities has rise, but also has showed its limitations. This paper also discusses the questions of innovation in Real Estate and the relationship between developers and planners. This comprehension could help to reach a better urban management.

In South Africa, the small business sector has been identified as a sector that is not performing optimally. In a turbulent environment, this type of small business profile is magnified. Therefore, it is important to examine mechanisms through which the performance of this sector can be enhanced. Dynamic capabilities have emerged as a strategic tool of the highest order in terms of firm management and strengthening these capabilities is a key concern for firms that operate in a turbulent environment. Dynamic capabilities are described as the processes required to reconfigure existing resources into new functional competencies. Therefore, this study investigated the strategic processes of small businesses and developed a new strategic model and theory to illustrate and elucidate intervention mechanisms and strategies to strengthen the dynamic capabilities of these small businesses. Methodology: The retail community pharmacy sector was chosen as a model sector for this study since it is a sector that comprises mainly of small businesses and it is currently experiencing environmental turbulence. The methodology followed an initial exploratory, qualitative approach followed by a formal, empirical, quantitative approach. The research questionnaire was derived after ensuring that content validity, criterion related validity, construct validity and reliability criteria were met. This questionnaire was administered to a sample of 477 out of a population of 2549 small businesses in the retail community pharmacy sector, using an unrestricted, simple, random, probability sampling approach. As a consequence of having received 130 completed questionnaires, the results obtained in this study were expressed at the 95% confidence level with a confidence interval of 0.08. Results and Discussion: From a gap analysis of the level of importance of dynamic capabilities and their extent of implementation, seven dynamic capabilities whose implementation can be enhanced by an alteration of the management importance perception of them, were extracted. These capabilities revolve around staff reward, well-being, empowerment and education and training, as well as the abilities of the small business leadership to sense the environment and opportunities while being sensitive to stakeholder needs. Through a consolidation of the results of the gap analysis, a model for the initiation and the sustaining of innovative resource reconfigurations was developed. Conclusion: For the management practice setting, this study�s findings suggest that the dynamic capabilities of small firms operating in a turbulent environment can be enhanced and strengthened by the employment of the model developed by this study. From a management education perspective, this study�s findings also suggest that the employment of specific and focussed management education that revolves around the seven identified processes will enable not only the initiating phase of the proposed model but will also provide a multiplier effect in the model since management capability is also part of the general resource base of the firm. This study thus proposes the use of these management practice and educational approaches to strengthen and enhance the dynamic capabilities of small businesses operating in a turbulent environment. / Graduate School of Business Leadership / D. BL.

The exogenous shock that Russia's invasion of Ukraine entailed brought great challenges and demands for change in companies worldwide. Governing under these conditions is not easy, nor is knowing what is actually right to do. There is research on turbulent environments and exogenous shocks, divestments, and legitimacy, but research on the interaction between these is limited. In this study, we examine how companies have responded to exogenous shocks, more specifically how Swedish MNCs have acted and communicated as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The study consists of 69 Swedish MNCs that were active in Russia pre-invasion and their communications and actions as a result of this event, with data drawn from press releases, company reports, state registers and the media. The results show that many of the examined companies have acted in a similar way and divested the Russian market, albeit with varying quickness and forcefulness, thus adopting an approach consistent with what may be considered to be a legitimate strategy, with a few exceptions where the companies' actions has not been as consistent. What this means is that despite the fact that these decisions are made by the respective company management, the measures are generally in line with each other, which may be a result of pressure from both internal and external stakeholders and society at large.