Good and smart decisions should be distinguished from wise decision-making - especially in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) where algorithms are increasingly used to automate business processes or to augment the accuracy and speed of decisions. This book argues why specific forms of intelligence as well as consciousness and enhanced conscience are crucial to make wise decisions - with consciousness to be clearly distinguished from intelligence. It also addresses why machine learning and smart computers (AI) are plausibly able to make 'smart' (and thus to a certain extent 'intelligent') decisions but definitely unable to help us to become wiser. In essence, optimizing a desired output in a business context will require a balanced approach with cognitive awareness and ethical reflection - synthesizing intuitive and algorithmic thinking - encompassing short-term profit and longer-term envisioning, and aiming to optimize created and captured value for shareholders while taking the concerns of those who have a real stake in the organization seriously. If business is about creating and sharing value in a future that is both 'digital' and 'relational', then innovative technologies like AI will play an increasingly important role. Consequently, mindful executives and their responsible boards therefore need to acknowledge the limitations of AI in business - especially when the uncertain future is estimated to be rather volatile or ambiguous than stable.

Good and smart decisions should be distinguished from wise decision-making - especially in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) where algorithms are increasingly used to automate business processes or to augment the accuracy and speed of decisions. This book argues why specific forms of intelligence as well as consciousness and enhanced conscience are crucial to make wise decisions - with consciousness to be clearly distinguished from intelligence. It also addresses why machine learning and smart computers (AI) are plausibly able to make 'smart' (and thus to a certain extent 'intelligent') decisions but definitely unable to help us to become wiser. In essence, optimizing a desired output in a business context will require a balanced approach with cognitive awareness and ethical reflection - synthesizing intuitive and algorithmic thinking - encompassing short-term profit and longer-term envisioning, and aiming to optimize created and captured value for shareholders while taking the concerns of those who have a real stake in the organization seriously. If business is about creating and sharing value in a future that is both 'digital' and 'relational', then innovative technologies like AI will play an increasingly important role. Consequently, mindful executives and their responsible boards therefore need to acknowledge the limitations of AI in business - especially when the uncertain future is estimated to be rather volatile or ambiguous than stable.

The authors of this important book analyse the pitfalls and risks of doing business in ASEAN countries that are mostly absent in Western markets, covering various strategic, external, operational, and legal-cultural challenges for international companies. Doing Business in ASEAN Emerging Markets crucially addresses how to resolve those barriers. Encompassing issues of governance and leadership standards, the authors present case studies and practical solutions underpinned by academic research. Helping executives learn how to implement high international standards and maintain sensitivity to socio-cultural and political Asian contexts, the book highlights the need to create an international diverse and unified leadership team that will take better decisions and effectively deal with risks, and apply best corporate governance practices within an Asian context.

The Vulnerability of Corporate Reputation explores the role that reputation plays in the success and failures of companies. This book focuses on the traditional topic of reputation risk management, the process of reputation, reputational excellence and examines leaders whose reputation and foresight could benefit the organization they steer.

In this socio-philosophical book, the author explains why gifts are not just moral expressions but function as binding social practices. The first part concerns the conceptual analysis of the logic of the gift whereas the second part focuses on practical expressions of gift practices in a business context, more particularly bribery and philanthropy. How can gifts turn into bribes? Why does corporate philanthropy not necessarily imply some form of altruism? Is corruption a mere expression of cultural characteristics such as discretion and loyalty? Clear criteria are provided within the logic of the gift to distinguish gifts from bribes. Another goal is to clarify the myth of corporate donations and how such presumably good corporate behaviour could either damage or enhance the long-term reputation of a firm. Gift practices are sometimes exploited blatantly to cover up less benevolent behaviour. Understanding gift practices within a business context will allow practitioners to pursue an appropriate strategy of corporate social responsibility. Indeed, despite its inherent ambivalence, a gift should be understood as a worthy ethical and social practice within a specific cultural or organizational context.

The authors of this important book analyse the pitfalls and risks of doing business in ASEAN countries that are mostly absent in Western markets, covering various strategic, external, operational, and legal-cultural challenges for international companies. Doing Business in ASEAN Emerging Markets crucially addresses how to resolve those barriers. Encompassing issues of governance and leadership standards, the authors present case studies and practical solutions underpinned by academic research. Helping executives learn how to implement high international standards and maintain sensitivity to socio-cultural and political Asian contexts, the book highlights the need to create an international diverse and unified leadership team that will take better decisions and effectively deal with risks, and apply best corporate governance practices within an Asian context.

Most books about corporate governance are written for a Western audience. The Boardroom, however, takes a different approach to leadership development by emphasizing the unique socio-cultural and judicial features as well as idiosyncratic board structures in Asia, particularly in an Indonesian context. The principles of good corporate governance are accepted across borders, but the implementation and translation of transparency, fairness, accountability, and responsibility can differ quite distinctly from one country to another. Amidst global competitive turbulence, socio-economic volatility, and geopolitical uncertainty, The Boardroom analyses how Asian boardroom leaders steer organizations and how boards can be more effective. Boardmembers - appointed and entrusted by their owners - are guardians with a fiduciary duty to safeguard an organization and prepare it for a viable and sustainable future. Business managers, investors, academics, students and those interested in doing business in Asia will benefit from The Boardroom's practical insights and recommendations to improve corporate governance and strengthen competitive advantage. "The Boardroom" - a book written by my predecessor Dr Tanri Abeng and his co-author Prof. Dr. Peter Verhezen who both combine practical experience and academic in-depth research - gives a good overview of what can and should be expected from a board. The authors describe the generic accepted governance principles, but rightfully claim the need to translate them into specific rules and regulations that make sense for Indonesian and other Asian companies. Erick Thohir, The Minister of State-Owned Enterprises of the Republic of Indonesia Understanding the dynamics of successful organizations is like being on a quest. It probably never ends. Organizations are open and social systems that cannot be managed or governed using simple theories and recipes. Hence, this book invites you to start your own leadership journey and become more mindful of your role in the functioning of a company. Prof. Dr. Koen Vandenbempt, Dean of the Faculty of Business & Economics at the University of Antwerp, Belgium