Negotiating the Balance of Power

This month, we take a closer look at power dynamics – be it within organisational teams, in the boardroom or on the global stage. We examine the shifting relations in the Indo-Pacific region and propose strategies for executives to maintain the lead in boardroom debates.

We explore the shifting economic power balance and its effect on global democracy, and investigate how team members can take on leadership roles with the support of their managers. Finally, we break down the factors that led to successful multiparty climate negotiations at the recent COP28.

Key Players in the Indo-Pacific Region

While the United States, China and Europe often dominate the spotlight, emerging players in the Indo-Pacific region – such as India, South Korea and Southeast Asian nations – will play an important role in shaping relations in the coming years. India, in particular, is one to keep an eye on, according to INSEAD’s Pushan Dutt . While both the US and Europe view India as a bulwark against China, India has its own economic and global ambitions and is naturally suspicious of superpowers. Courting it is no easy task.

Winning the Game of Boardroom Chess

It is broadly understood that bold, expansive postures and gestures convey power and credibility. But according to INSEAD's Michael Jarrett and Andy Yap and Brigham Young University's Curtis LeBaron , taking and keeping the lead in the boardroom necessitate more than a single power move or simply engaging in more assertive behaviour. Rather, it requires a series of strategic actions to defend, consolidate or counter a viewpoint until one side emerges victorious.

Will the Shifting Economic Power Balance Topple Democracy?

In this commentary, INSEAD's Ilian Mihov gives his take on where global democracy stands and where it’s headed in the new economic world order. To understand the global dynamics of democracy, a measure of democracy that takes economic power into account is needed to appreciate the implications of the dynamics. Alarmingly, data suggests that the global slide into autocracy might be unfolding at this very moment.

Leadership Should Be a Team Sport

Leadership is not a fixed or rigid position but rather a fluid and distributed set of activities, says INSEAD's Graham Ward,Ph.D, PCC . Team members should be encouraged to "play out of position" and act their way into leadership roles by challenging respectfully, championing change and communicating clearly. They need to find ways to include themselves instead of waiting to be included. Leaders should give their direct reports the opportunity to express themselves, experiment, innovate and feel that they will be supported should things go wrong.

Six Principles for Successful Multiparty Negotiations

The UAE Consensus achieved at COP28 epitomises the effort required for successful multiparty climate negotiations. INSEAD’s Horacio Falcao and government affairs advisor Najat Ferchachi describe how this success was forged by six key principles: separating the substance from the people issues; focusing on individual and collective interests; an early commitment to pursue mutual gain options; generating legitimacy based on objective criteria; managing alliance formation; and using a neutral facilitator.

We hope you've enjoyed this month's selection. For more, take a listen to our latest podcast with INSEAD’s Abhishek Borah on how text mining can unearth novel, absorbing and valuable findings, or read the latest research picks from INSEAD's Dean of Research and Innovation Lily Fang .

Have a knowledgeable week ahead!

The INSEAD Knowledge team