DOI
10.9707/1944-5660.1170
Key Points
· Foundation strategy is hampered by a failure to recognize and engage with the complexity and uncertainty surrounding foundation work. This article identifies three common “traps” that hinder foundation capacity to learn and adapt: 1) linearity and certainty bias; 2) the autopilot effect; and 3) indicator blindness.
· This article urges foundations to alter their mindset, questions, and processes to foster a more committed approach to strategy and adaptation. In essence, it argues for learning as strategy.
· This article draws on literature from systems theory, business strategy, and philanthropic practice as well as data from foundation benchmarking surveys.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Patrizi, P., Heid Thompson, E., Coffman, J., & Beer, T. (2013). Eyes Wide Open: Learning as Strategy Under Conditions of Complexity and Uncertainty. The Foundation Review, 5(3). https://doi.org/10.9707/1944-5660.1170
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