Sustainable Organizations Need Wisdom

The business world is re- discovering the value of wisdom! In "The Development of Practical Wisdom: Its Critical Role in Sustainable Performance" (Performance Improvement, April 2013),  Anthony Marker, associate professor in the College of Engineering at Boise State University,  states, "So, while profit may be necessary for an organization, it is not enough for long-term health and survival. For these, an organization also needs...wisdom." As business and organizations focus on sustainability, there is a concerted effort to understand the nature of wisdom and what aspects of wisdom can be learned by leaders and followers.  Marker cites the work of Stephen Hall (Wisdom: From Philosophy to Neuroscience, 2010) to describe eight aspects of wisdom:
1. Emotional regulation
2. Knowing what is important
3. Moral reasoning
4. Compassion
5. Humility
6. Altruism
7. Patience
8. Dealing with uncertainty

It would appear that the business world is currently grappling with principles well established in Scripture. Solomon, in Proverbs 2: 6-9 states:"For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.  He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, Guarding the paths of justice, And He preserves the way of His godly ones. Then you will discern righteousness and justice, And equity and every good course." (NASB)

The Leadership and Ministry degree program at Oak Hills Christian College seeks to develop godly men and women, persons of integrity who have learned to listen to the wisdom of God. What better resource can there be for organizations?

Reference

Marker, Anthony. "The Development of Practical Wisdom: Its Critical Role in Sustainable Performance." Performance Improvement, 52(4), 11-21.