Page 127 - The lraternational Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand.indd

The International Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand
Volume XV-2023

What is VUCA?
VUCA stands for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. It was

originally coined by the US Army War College to describe the complex and unpredictable
nature of the post-Cold War world (Hausberg, 2013). The term has since been adopted
by business leaders and organizations to describe the challenging and dynamic nature
of the modern business environment.

A number of scholars such as Hausberg (2013), Minciu et al (2019), Nikolic and
Milovanovic (2021), and Pultoo and Oojorah (2021) defined and elaborated each

quality of VUCA as follows. First, volatility refers to the speed and intensity at which
change occurs. The world is full of changes that can be sudden, dramatic, and
unpredictable. It is becoming difficult to understand the cause and effect of events.

VUCA world demands for those who are able to adapt quickly in order to remain
competitive. To survive in a VUCA environment, one needs to engage in continuous
learning and access new information and technologies.

Secondly, uncertainty refers to the lack of predictability and clarity in the
environment. In a VUCA world, it is difficult to use past predictions and experiences
to forecast the future event. predict the future. To be successful, it is important for

one to be agile, proactive, and prepared for constant change. Those who possess the
ability to adapt will stand.

Complexity refers to the interconnectedness and interdependence of various
elements in the environment. In this increasingly complex world, it can be challenging
to understand and navigate the relationships between different variables. Choosing a

single right path is becoming increasingly difficult. Therefore, VUCA is looking
for those who start thinking in new ways, exploring new solutions, and innovation.

Ambiguity refers to the lack of clear definitions and interpretations in the
environment. The idea that one solution can fit all situations is becoming less common
and it becomes rare to find a standard routine or best practice that applies to all
situations. The world is turning to be more complex, with more shades of gray than

black and white. To make decisions, it requires one to take risks, be attentive, and
embrace mistakes.

Exploding technological advancements, rapid demographic growth, ecological
catastrophes, and geopolitical trends are a few examples of VUCA circumstances that
are causing disruptions in humans’ lives. The notion of VUCA has been extensively

discussed in policy documents and educational contexts. The report from OECD
(Organization for Economic C0-operation and Development) conference in 2018,

Namthip Anantsupamongkul
Savika Varaporn 119