Journal of Behavioural Economics and Social Systems

Education is the Answer, not the Problem

James Guthrie — 2021-01-25

Prof James Guthrie AM and Prof John Dumay introduce the articles in the second edition of BESS, and thank the social and public universities which helped produce them.

Emergent Communities of Practice: A Complexity Theory Lens

Peter Massingham — 2021-01-19

Second Track processes are an emerging type of community of practice (CoP) that offer a powerful way to generate innovative solutions to wicked problems. The core research team behind BESS proposes a theoretical framework to understand Second Track processes by approaching them as complex adaptive systems in terms of organisation (complexity), interaction (social) and thinking (intelligence).

Managing Stakeholder Relationships During the Tatts / Tabcorp Merger Process

Simon Segal — 2021-01-19

Mergers and acquisitions are significant events in the life of corporations, with complicated and disruptive social, economic and political consequences for their stakeholder relationships. PhD research candidate Simon Segal examines the complex balancing of M&A stakeholder management through a case study of the mega-merger of Australia’s two biggest lottery firms. The views expressed are his own.

Revealing the Purpose of a Stakeholder Organisation: The Case of a Public University Responding to the Covid-19 'Corona' Crisis

Florian Kragulj — 2021-01-19

In early March 2020, Austria declared a state of emergency due to COVID-19. Social life was put on hold, public and private organisations were largely shut down, and universities had to adapt their operations. A group of WU1 academics investigate how one of Europe’s biggest public universities in business and economics responded to the crisis and in the process rediscovered its core purpose.

Are You Ready to Collaborate? Improving the Quality of University-Industry Collaborations

Erik Bjurström — 2021-01-19

Universities are under ever-increasing political and commercial pressure to engage with industry to convert their research into viable value-adding products and services. A longitudinal study by the Scandinavian researchers examining 25 university-industry collaborations suggests that aligning
goals and creating a flexible setup between partners in the early stages of engagement is crucial for its success.

The Second Track and Talanoa: Implementation of the Pacific Connect Programme in the Pacific Islands

Benjamin Blackshaw — 2021-01-19

The Second Track and talanoa – a Pacific term for conversation – share many common traits. Both are based on a foundation of mutual trust and offer a comfortable forum to share ideas. Both appreciate the importance of listening as well as talking and value other people’s experience and insights. ICDP’s communications coordinator Benjamin Blackshaw explains how Second Track methodology has been applied to pursue idealistic goals through realistic steps as part of the Pacific Connect programme.

The Future Business Strategy: Technology and Profitability

Les Picket — 2021-01-19

Protracted disruption, uncertainty, shrinking company lifespans, accelerated technological change, artificial intelligence, robotics, short-termism and workforce transformation are combining to challenge executive management in both the public and private sectors. Human capital and corporate governance professional Les Pickett explores global trends and emerging issues.

Meta-skills Are the Key to Human Potential

Melis Senova — 2021-01-19

A new world is trying to be born –a world that seeks greater resilience, creativity, compassion and sustainable planetary progress. To bring this world into being, we need a new set of abilities not yet taught in schools and a fresh perspective on humanity. Neuroscientist, entrepreneur and expert in human-centred design Dr Melis Senova explains the idea behind her proposal for a new Institute for Human Potential.

Leadership, Not Leaders: Reflections on Ronald Heifetz's Theory of Adaptive Leadership

Ian McAuley — 2021-01-19

How can we mobilise the resources of a group or society to make progress on the difficult issues
they face? Policy commentator Ian McAuley puts Heifetz’s model of adaptive leadership into the
Australian context.