While BCM is focused on helping an organisation to 'bounce back' from disruption, organisational resilience is focused on 'springing forward'.
Organisational resilience is defined by the BSI – authors of the first Organisational Resilience Standard, BS 65000 - as "the ability of an organisation to anticipate, prepare for, respond and adapt to incremental change and sudden disruptions in order to survive and prosper".
In other words, 'waiting out a storm' is no longer an option. Instead, leaders must embrace risk if they are to succeed. Doing so requires them to prepare their businesses to react to threats as opportunities, adapting to survive and prosper. According to the BSI, this is the true meaning of Organisational Resilience.
The thinking on Organisational Resilience has evolved over time. Initially a defensive measure (stopping bad things happening), it became more progressive (making good things happen). There was division over how to achieve this, with a split between approaches calling for consistency and others based on flexibility.
The differences between these perspectives and behaviours have been the source of much disagreement and misunderstanding. It is hardly surprising that leaders seeking to enhance Organisational Resilience receive conflicting guidance.
Adding to the complexity, a new, fifth strand of thinking on Organisational Resilience has emerged that integrates, balances and seeks fit (fitness for purpose). Put simply, this says senior leaders must manage the tensions between the four approaches if organisations are to be truly resilient.
Using proven methodologies, Resilience Guard's experienced consultants can help organisations manage the tension between these approaches and navigate the path to organisational resilience.
ISO 22316 certificationISO 22316:2017
Security and resilience – Organisational resilience – Principles and attributes is the new, internationally-recognised standard designed to enhance organisational resilience for any size or type of organisation. The framework is intended to help organisations future-proof their businesses, regardless of industry, sector or lifecycle stage.
Highly flexible in approach, ISO 22316:2017 doesn't promote one uniform approach for all organisations. Instead, specific objectives and initiatives are tailored to suit the individual organisation's needs.
Climate change, economic crises and changing consumer trends are just some of the pitfalls that can drastically affect the way an organisation operates. Improving your organisation's resilience will ensure you are better placed not only to anticipate and respond to potential risks but also capitalise on any opportunities that present themselves.
As part of our Consultancy services, Resilience Guard offers a benchmarking service against the standard's requirements and guidance to help clients attain ISO 22316 certification.
Contact us to discuss how we could help your organisation.