Coping with the Future : Rethinking Assumptions for Society, Business and Work

The future is not predictable. In political and economic terms, we are in unknown territory. This book redefines the nature of modern business. In contrast to recent trends, it has a focus on human-centred manufacturing, and on decision-making which goes beyond a focus on short-term profit. The Liberal Capitalism of the USA and UK is not the only current variety of capitalism. Business is not just about managers, but requires participation and engagement by workers. This pulls together current research and practice, and poses new questions, based on cases. The world has always been unpredictable, but we had allowed ourselves to be comforted by convenient myths. It is time to wake up.

Coping with the Future has been written in response to widespread international awareness that the future is not predictable. In political and economic terms, we are in unknown territory, with daily developments around Brexit and the Trump Presidency, and "Kodak moments" in business. On the other hand, business leaders demand certainty, which is not available.

This book redefines the nature of modern business. In contrast to recent trends, it has a focus on human-centred manufacturing and on decision-making which goes beyond a focus on short-term profit. The liberal capitalism of the USA and the UK is not the only current variety of capitalism. Business is not just about managers, but requires participation and engagement by workers.

Since the financial crash of 2008, there has been much talk about the need for fresh approaches to business, but little has changed. This book pulls together current research and practice and poses new questions based on case studies. There is no one simple best way, but an uncertain future can be addressed, drawing on diverse past experience and cases.

The book addresses an intended audience in business and universities, including business schools, around the world. The debate takes a broader approach, involving research in the social sciences and approaches from philosophy. The world has always been unpredictable, but we have allowed ourselves to be comforted by convenient myths. It is time to wake up.