RESILIENCE IN DYNAMIC COMPLEX ENVIRONMENTS: WILLFUL ADAPTABILITY AND COPABILITY

Abstract

Social systems respond to their environments along two mutually interdependent processes through adaptation and coping. Adaptability is the capability to understand and make necessary adjustments to fit with the environment by making requisite internal changes and responding to and acting in the environment. Coping is the internal processes which help determine how the organization maintains its sense of identity and wholeness in view of the externally and internally induced changes. As the environment becomes more diverse, differentiated and complex, the dynamic changing environment creates conditions for some organizations with the right internal resources and capabilities to survive and prosper while others with less coping abilities (copabilities) may stagnate, become obsolete or lose their sense of wholeness and identity. The will to succeed is a key factor in creating and maintaining a robust balance of adapting and coping forces for building and maintaining a well performing resilient social system. The article explores three key factors underlying resilience; adaptability, copability, and the will to succeed, The article proposes that resilience is a determinant component of social systems effectiveness, survival and revitalization.