Michael Lissack AUdnakpnt iovwe nC aCpoamc i tpyl eAxsist ei esss m e n t fo r This unknown complexity frontier connects directly to the adaptive capacity assessment concepts introduced in Chapter 14. Organizations preparing for unknown complexities are implementing sophisticated assessment approaches that evaluate their readiness for unpredictable challenges: Response diversity measurement : They systematically evaluate the range of responses available for different types of disruptions. Financial services company Morgan Stanley conducts “response repertoire assess- ments” that measure how many distinct approaches the organization could deploy in various crisis scenarios. Recovery rate tracking : They monitor how quickly organizational coherence recovers after disruptions. Technology company Cisco mea- sures “coherence velocity”—how rapidly alignment re-emerges after unexpected challenges, tracking whether recovery speed is improving over time. Learning cycle effectiveness : They assess how efficiently the or- ganization converts adaptation experiences into enhanced capabilities. Consumer goods company P&G evaluates how effectively insights from market disruptions translate into improved anticipation and response capabilities for future challenges. These assessment approaches transform unknown complexity from an abstract threat to a measurable domain for capability development, enabling organizations to build adaptive capacity systematically rather than hoping it emerges through crisis experience. The exercise highlighted the importance of organizational culture in crisis response. Teams that maintained trust, shared purpose, and open communication navigated the simulated crisis more effectively than those that defaulted to hierarchical control or information hoarding under pressure.
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