On October 17, 2023, students and faculty members of Andrews University and Certificate in Global Leadership class were treated to a masterclass by Dr. Lucicle Sabas on the intricate subject of “Corporate Value and Competition in Global Multi-market Systems.“
Dr. Sabas commenced the lecture by highlighting the significance of corporate values in shaping not just the internal culture of an organization but also its external interactions, especially in a global context. In today’s interconnected world, companies no longer operate within the confines of local or even national markets. Instead, they juggle multiple markets across the globe, each with its own nuances and challenges. In such a complex scenario, the role of corporate values becomes paramount.
Drawing upon real-world case studies, Dr. Sabas illustrated how companies that remain rooted in strong corporate values often have a competitive edge in the global marketplace. Such companies tend to earn the trust and loyalty of their stakeholders, from employees to customers to investors. They also exhibit resilience in the face of market adversities and ethical dilemmas.
Moving to the theme of competition, Dr. Sabas emphasized that in multi-market systems, competition doesn’t just come from traditional rivals. Companies need to be aware of local competitors, emerging market players, and even non-traditional competitors from other industries that might foray into new market segments. This dynamic landscape requires companies to be agile, innovative, and, most importantly, value-driven.
One of the most compelling sections of the lecture was when Dr. Sabas discussed the symbiotic relationship between corporate values and competitive strategy. She posited that while values provide the moral compass, competitive strategy offers the tactical roadmap. Together, they enable a company to navigate the choppy waters of global multi-market systems with a clear sense of direction and purpose.
In concluding, Dr. Sabas left the audience with a thought-provoking question: In a world that’s evolving rapidly, are our corporate values dynamic enough to guide us, and is our competitive strategy agile enough to keep us ahead?
The lecture was a testament to the depth of Dr. Sabas’s understanding of the subject and her ability to weave theory with practical insights. For everyone in attendance, it was an enriching experience that underscored the importance of corporate values in today’s globalized business landscape.
