VUCA Factors Influencing Stakeholder Relationship Management Development: A Systematic Literature Review

The term VUCA (volatility – uncertainty – complexity – ambiguity) accurately describes nowadays’ high pace society in which changes reshape organisational management structures and impact stakeholder relationship management networks. As such, the influence of the VUCA phenomenon demands a closer evaluation in some of the industries where it had a high impact.

This paper aims to provide the reader with a systematic literature review on the VUCA aspects which influence the development of stakeholder relationship management in specific industries, as well as provide a list of factors that influence organisational management evolution. The papers in scope for this study were selected if they considered the perceived impact stemming from VUCA factors. For this purpose, over 40 academic studies have been identified and analysed against inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results indicate that engineering education, leadership adaptability and resilience, learning agility, culture of innovation, systemic approaches, and the ability of businesses to drive excellence are some of the most highlighted aspects which can weigh a heavy influence on the development of stakeholder relationship management. Moreover, there is further need for further research into how methods and frameworks react to VUCA effects across industries.