Article Details
  • Published Online:
    March  2026
  • Product Name:
    The IUP Journal of Effective Executive
  • Product Type:
    Article
  • Product Code:
    IJEE010326
  • DOI:
    10.71329/EffectiveExecutive/2026.29.1.5-36
  • Author Name:
    Colin J Coulson-Thomas
  • Availability:
    YES
  • Subject/Domain:
    Management
  • Download Format:
    PDF
  • Pages:
    5-36
Volume 29, Issue 1, January-March 2026
Contemporary International Corporate Leadership Challenges
Abstract

In a more transactional era international leaders operate in an unpredictable, uncertain, insecure and volatile global context and navigate geopolitical shifts, climate crises and technological disruptions. With fragmentation, polarization and a consolidation of autocracies they may be increasingly concerned with accommodating the changing positions of rulers and their supporting cliques rather than overcoming cultural and other national state barriers. Even though autocrats may change their minds, business leaders may need to listen more closely to what they say and be alert to underlying drivers of their motivations. In an era of shifting positions, and multiple and interrelated challenges, risks and threats, the exercise of beneficial corporate leadership, preparation for it and our collective survival are problematic. Support from the board and an aligned and shared vision, mission, purpose, perspective and values can encourage effective actions, initiatives and responses.

Introduction

Strategy and process options that might have been adopted in the past to set up and expand international operations, and establish and grow market shares within widely understood ‘rules of the game’ for which one could prepare and plan a career, were once relatively methodical and predictable, although many entities were already facing multiple