Papers by Kathleen Locklear
Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies, 2025
Wicked' problems are among today's most complex and pressing issues. Examples of wicked problems ... more Wicked' problems are among today's most complex and pressing issues. Examples of wicked problems are climate change and sustainability, as well as other problems that have critical implications for a wide range of stakeholders, including organizations and their leaders. Despite a growing body of work on wicked problems, solutions remain elusive, underscoring a need for new and innovative approaches. Recent technological advances are creating new opportunities to 'untangle' wicked problems by combining the use of artificial intelligence with scenarios. The purpose of this conceptual paper is therefore to present a framework for dealing more effectively with wicked problems by strengthening the utility of our responses to them. The first task is to define and explore the concept of a 'wicked' problem in order to identify suitable analytic entry points. This results in a proposed typology of wicked problems. Next, and by drawing from the literature, a set of relevant AI capabilities is synthesized. Their applicability to wicked problems is discussed and then operationalized by using the sequential steps in the risk management process framework. Using climate change as a focal issue, it is demonstrated that the combined use of AI and scenarios is synergistic, leaving us better prepared to tackle the challenges of wicked problems. The paper concludes with cautionary words, including about risks inherent in the use of AI. These have particular significance for leaders and the roles they should play.
Bridging as Metaphor- A Systems Thinking Approach for Exploring Transboundary Risk
Archives of Business Research
This paper provides a novel approach for understanding transboundary risk, including ‘grand cha... more This paper provides a novel approach for understanding transboundary risk, including ‘grand challenges’ such as climate change. Discussion begins with an exploration of the origins of transboundary risk as a byproduct of globalization. Thereafter, the concept of ‘bridging’ is used in order to conceptualize the spread of transboundary risk across traditional physical boundaries, including geographic borders. Building upon prior theory, systems thinking and complexity are used as conceptual lenses for understanding the dynamics of transboundary risk. Scenario planning is offered as a means for envisioning and addressing the challenges presented by transboundary risk. The result of this discussion is a holistic, systems view of transboundary risk which stands in contrast to traditional, reductionist perspectives of risk. As such, the paper concludes by proposing a set of epistemological questions that emerge as a result of this shift.
Emerging Risk: An Integrated Framework for Managing Extreme Events
Today‟s complex, interconnected global environment has created borderless risk that is capable of... more Today‟s complex, interconnected global environment has created borderless risk that is capable of rapidly spreading across geographic, societal and organizational boundaries. In this environment, extreme events compel greater attention due to their potential for generating expansive and catastrophic harm. One source of extreme events is emerging risk which, as defined in this paper, is new (novel) risk that has not existed previously. Akin to the “Black Swan” as proposed by Nassim Taleb, emerging risk falls outside our customary cognitive and decision making frameworks. This paper begins by exploring cognitive and behavioral theories which can be applied to explain why emerging risk is often overlooked, downplayed or ignored. The existing literature is also examined to identify approaches (including systems theory, scenario planning and anticipatory management) for enhancing our capacity to understand, identify and handle emerging risk. Finally, this paper proposes an innovative fra...
Emerging risk: A systems thinking and complexity approach
Enhancement of Team Work in MBA Programs: An Evaluation of Best Practices
Abstract ,This research paper suggests a set of best practices for the development and implementa... more Abstract ,This research paper suggests a set of best practices for the development and implementation,of team work in MBA programs. The objective is to suggest ways in which to concurrently maximize,positive student experiences and enhanced value to employers of MBA program,graduates. The research has two principal components.The first is a field study of team work involving the MBA program of
Uploads
Papers by Kathleen Locklear