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Flevy Management Insights Q&A
What are the implications of global economic volatility on Value Based Management strategies?


This article provides a detailed response to: What are the implications of global economic volatility on Value Based Management strategies? For a comprehensive understanding of Value Based Management, we also include relevant case studies for further reading and links to Value Based Management best practice resources.

TLDR Global economic volatility challenges organizations to adapt their Value Based Management strategies by enhancing Strategic Planning, integrating Performance and Risk Management, and focusing on Operational Excellence and Cost Efficiency to sustain shareholder value.

Reading time: 5 minutes


Global economic volatility significantly impacts organizations' strategic planning and operational frameworks. In the context of Value Based Management (VBM), which focuses on maximizing shareholder value, the implications of such volatility are profound. Organizations must navigate through economic uncertainties while ensuring that their VBM strategies remain robust, adaptable, and forward-looking. This requires a deep understanding of how global economic shifts can affect various aspects of VBM, from Strategic Planning to Performance Management and Risk Management.

Strategic Planning and Adaptability

Global economic volatility challenges organizations to rethink their Strategic Planning processes. In an environment where market conditions fluctuate rapidly, traditional long-term planning models become less effective. Organizations need to adopt more flexible and dynamic strategic planning frameworks that allow for quick adjustments in response to economic changes. This involves setting shorter strategic cycles, employing scenario planning, and incorporating real-time data analytics into decision-making processes. According to a report by McKinsey, companies that regularly refresh their strategies and maintain strategic agility are more likely to sustain their performance through economic cycles.

For Value Based Management, this means that organizations must continuously evaluate and adjust their value creation strategies to ensure they align with the current economic landscape. This could involve diversifying investment portfolios, revising financial targets, and reallocating resources to more resilient business units or opportunities. The goal is to protect and enhance shareholder value, even when external economic conditions are unfavorable.

Moreover, organizations must enhance their adaptability by fostering a culture of innovation and flexibility. This includes encouraging cross-functional collaboration, investing in digital transformation initiatives, and empowering employees to make decisions based on evolving market insights. Such a culture supports the rapid execution of strategic adjustments necessary to navigate economic volatility successfully.

Explore related management topics: Digital Transformation Strategic Planning Shareholder Value Scenario Planning Value Creation Data Analytics Value Based Management

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Performance Management and Risk Management Integration

In the face of global economic volatility, integrating Performance Management and Risk Management becomes crucial for Value Based Management. Organizations must develop a more holistic view of performance that includes financial, operational, and risk dimensions. This integrated approach ensures that performance metrics reflect not only value creation but also the organization's resilience against economic uncertainties. For instance, incorporating risk-adjusted return metrics into performance evaluations can provide a more comprehensive view of how well the organization balances value creation with risk exposure.

According to a PwC report, organizations that effectively integrate risk considerations into their performance management systems are better positioned to manage the impacts of economic volatility. This integration allows for more informed decision-making, where risk management is not seen as a separate function but as an integral part of the strategic and operational planning process. It enables organizations to identify potential risks earlier, assess their impact on value, and implement appropriate mitigation strategies proactively.

Real-world examples of this integration include companies in the financial sector, where risk-adjusted performance metrics are commonly used to evaluate investment decisions and portfolio management strategies. These organizations leverage advanced analytics and risk modeling techniques to simulate various economic scenarios and their potential impacts on performance. This proactive approach to managing risk and performance underpins their ability to sustain shareholder value through economic downturns and volatility.

Explore related management topics: Performance Management Risk Management Portfolio Management

Operational Excellence and Cost Efficiency

Operational Excellence and Cost Efficiency are critical components of Value Based Management, especially in times of global economic volatility. Organizations must scrutinize their operational processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for cost optimization without compromising on quality or customer satisfaction. This involves leveraging lean management principles, automating routine tasks, and optimizing supply chain operations. Accenture's research highlights that companies focusing on operational excellence can achieve significant cost reductions while maintaining, or even improving, service levels.

For organizations pursuing VBM, the challenge is to balance cost efficiency with strategic investments in growth areas. This requires a nuanced approach to cost management that goes beyond traditional cost-cutting. It involves investing in technologies and processes that enhance operational agility and enable the organization to scale efficiently in response to market demands. For example, investing in cloud computing and AI can lead to more flexible and scalable operations, providing a competitive edge in volatile markets.

Real-world examples of organizations achieving this balance include those in the technology and consumer goods sectors, where rapid innovation and market responsiveness are key. These organizations continuously optimize their operations to reduce costs while also investing in new product development and market expansion strategies. Their ability to maintain operational excellence and cost efficiency underpins their resilience and capacity to create shareholder value, even in challenging economic conditions.

In conclusion, global economic volatility presents significant challenges for organizations implementing Value Based Management strategies. Adapting strategic planning processes, integrating performance and risk management, and focusing on operational excellence and cost efficiency are crucial for sustaining and enhancing shareholder value in such an environment. Organizations that successfully navigate these challenges are better positioned to thrive, regardless of economic uncertainties.

Explore related management topics: Operational Excellence Supply Chain Lean Management Cost Management Customer Satisfaction Cost Reduction Cost Optimization New Product Development

Best Practices in Value Based Management

Here are best practices relevant to Value Based Management from the Flevy Marketplace. View all our Value Based Management materials here.

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Explore all of our best practices in: Value Based Management

Value Based Management Case Studies

For a practical understanding of Value Based Management, take a look at these case studies.

Organic E-Commerce Strategy for Enhanced Market Penetration

Scenario: An emerging organic food e-commerce platform is navigating the complexities of value based management amidst a competitive digital marketplace.

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Resilience Boosting Plan for a Premier Sports Analytics Firm

Scenario: A leading sports analytics firm is at a critical juncture, facing the strategic challenge of maintaining its competitive edge through value-based management.

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Sustainable Growth Strategy for Museum in Cultural Heritage Sector

Scenario: A mid-sized museum specializing in cultural heritage faces challenges in adopting value-based management amidst a 20% decline in visitor numbers and a 15% drop in funding.

Read Full Case Study

Value Enhancement in Renewable Energy

Scenario: The organization is a mid-sized provider of renewable energy solutions grappling with Value Based Management issues.

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Value Based Management Initiative for Agriculture Sector in High-Growth Markets

Scenario: The organization, a major player in the agriculture industry, is grappling with aligning its operational efforts with creating shareholder value.

Read Full Case Study

Value Based Management Enhancement in Aerospace

Scenario: The organization is a mid-sized aerospace components supplier facing challenges in implementing Value Based Management (VBM) principles effectively.

Read Full Case Study


Explore all Flevy Management Case Studies

Related Questions

Here are our additional questions you may be interested in.

How does Value Based Management align with the principles of circular economy and sustainable business models?
Value Based Management aligns with circular economy principles by driving sustainability, efficiency, and innovation, enhancing long-term shareholder and stakeholder value through resource optimization and risk management. [Read full explanation]
What role does customer feedback play in shaping Value Based Management strategies?
Customer feedback is indispensable in shaping Value Based Management strategies by informing Strategic Planning, guiding Innovation, and improving Customer Experience and Loyalty, ensuring alignment with customer needs for maximized value creation. [Read full explanation]
What role does VBM play in shaping corporate governance structures to enhance shareholder value?
Value-Based Management (VBM) aligns Corporate Governance with shareholder value maximization through Strategic Planning, Risk Management, and Performance Management, influencing decision-making, transparency, and accountability. [Read full explanation]
What are the ethical considerations in implementing Value Based Management in diverse cultural settings?
Implementing Value Based Management ethically across diverse cultures involves recognizing varied definitions of value, balancing performance metrics, and fostering an ethical, inclusive culture for sustainable success. [Read full explanation]
How can VBM be adapted to prioritize not only shareholder value but also stakeholder interests in today's business environment?
Adapting VBM to prioritize stakeholder interests involves integrating these considerations into Strategic Planning, revising Performance Management and incentive systems, and embedding a stakeholder-focused mindset into the organization's Culture for sustainable, long-term success. [Read full explanation]
In what ways can Value Based Management be adapted to fit the unique needs of startups and small businesses?
Value Based Management can be effectively adapted for startups and small businesses by emphasizing flexibility, leveraging technology, and fostering a culture focused on value creation, aligning strategies with long-term growth. [Read full explanation]
What are the key metrics and KPIs that should be considered in a VBM framework to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of value creation?
A comprehensive VBM framework evaluation necessitates a balanced mix of financial, non-financial, strategic, and operational metrics to effectively measure current performance and focus on long-term Value Creation, Strategic Alignment, and Operational Excellence. [Read full explanation]
How can companies ensure that their VBM strategy is flexible enough to adapt to rapid market changes and emerging business trends?
To maintain flexible VBM strategies, companies should integrate agility into Strategic Planning, foster a resilient Organizational Culture, and utilize technology for improved agility, positioning for sustained success in dynamic markets. [Read full explanation]

Source: Executive Q&A: Value Based Management Questions, Flevy Management Insights, 2024


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