Florida Small Business Development Center

Hericlitus of Ephesus (circa 535BC – 475BC) was a Greek philosopher who is credited with creating and documenting the phrase, “Change is the only constant in life.” In the Handbook of Organizational Change and Innovation, edited by Marshal Scott Poole and Andrew Van de Ven [2004 Oxford University Press; ISBN 0-19-513500-8], a number of scholars examine how organizations react to change. A number of contributors discuss how businesses that have a perspective of strategic planning that includes adaptation and champions change are more likely to be sustainable.

Change, whether natural, man-made, or coming about a result of social changes and perspectives will always affect business. The increasingly violent weather and natural events, from hurricanes and floods, to earthquakes and volcanos, both causes tragedies and opportunities for businesses. Businesses in affected areas that did not at a minimum have a continuity plan will suffer, while those that did or were fortified have the opportunity to return to the market faster.  Each disaster event will spawn new business opportunities to provide a product or service to customers that will mitigate or prevent future damage. Continue reading here.

 

Speaking of Business Blog by Dr. Philip R. Geist, Area Director, Florida SBDC at UNF