As firms struggle in the modern era to achieve financial success, many recognise that a global economy has made their task more challenging than ever before. Universal access to the latest information and the ability to duplicate technological capabilities make it difficult for firms to sustain previously existing competitive advantages. Business leaders understand that the challenges that they face require a new and much more behavioral approach to managing their companies than has been successful in the past. In this volume, we address the quest for success in a world where innovation and constant change threaten the status quo. Todays successful leaders recognise the importance of creating organisational cultures that build trust, treat employees as valued partners, and provide those employees with the resources to constantly learn. Emphasising a value-based and behavioral approach to managing employees, many of the chapters of this book address the importance of a strategic approach that is committed to both organisational excellence and the best interests of a companys employees. Nearly eighty years ago, Chester Barnard emphasised that successful organisations both pursue a worthy purpose that benefits society and strive to satisfy the individual needs of its membership. This volume endorses the importance that successful organisations today are committed to values that inspire others, work for the best interests of the global community, and demonstrate a commitment to constant improvement.

The theme of this volume is that competitive advantage can best be achieved by leaders and companies that are constantly learning, looking for more effective and efficient ways to assist customers, and those who are dedicated to innovation and the pursuit of excellence.