Critique and change: The “what”, “why”, “how”, and “so what”

Critique and change can contribute to advancement improvement in how we understand the world (i.e., theory) do things practice). When done well rigor, argued) complete, novel) (Mukherjee et al., 2022; Whetten, 1989), critique reaffirm strengthen relevance reputation, for example, case of academic publishing, hallmark premier journals as sentinels good science (Lim, 2018a, 2021b). This is line with critical theory, which advocates social practice a brighter future (Tyson, 2006). Essentially, be defined act assessing “what” “what if” something, (pros) versus bad (cons), strengths (advantages) shortcomings (disadvantages), opportunities (potential benefits) challenges threats), whereas described doing something differently, adapting, modifying, or newly developing (e.g., practice) “what”). The desire maintain status quo no longer relevant. With disruption omnipresent progressing at an agile pace dynamic manner 2023b), has now firmly established itself constant feature present future. Hence, advance, must not only acknowledge but also embrace change. However, easy, many people preferring thus resisting rationale behind this preference resistance could attributed large investment effort, money, people, time) gone into establishing quo. Therefore, may perceived threat that would discard past quo, even extent rendering them irrelevant when they are discarded entirely rather than partially “why”). Notwithstanding reality (urgency), everything changed should changed, thus, change, if any, strategic (usefulness/relevance). To illustrate, reputational novelty, translational) inarguably maintained order preserve public confidence trust (otherwise, it signal possible end science) (importance), though noted maintaining requires ability openness (given foundations quo) (necessity). Given sharp succinct articulation problem statement (necessity, importance, usefulness/relevance, urgency), article endeavors offer guidelines advancing theory through (aims) based on current author's experience administrator (triangulated source credibility rigor). Through these “how”), builds upon editorial choose topic (which, extrapolated, used cause change) 2023a), hoped professors, professionals, policymakers) will able develop critiques “what”) so propose exciting meaningful changes advance empower knowledge (or know-how), by extension, improve their prospects successful pitching publishing journals, securing projects) while shaping academic) industry, society) “so what”). Developing proposing activities go hand impact potential greater co-exist themselves collectively independently. proposed without (which both positive negative), underdeveloped less convincing. presented proposal address critique, intention purpose questionable often challenged. needs questions (not or) solutions; otherwise, real issue inevitably person raising raised, especially where there more issues handled. journey begins motivates support two steps recommended: (step one) establish two). accelerated stands better chance success way attracts secures greatest buy-in from stakeholders. three additional clarify big picture four), detail process show five) proposal. Clarifying sets scene what achieve. explaining, possible, illustrating, desired state alongside its implications (see Lim, O'Connor 2023). As infinite, disclosing target categories economic, environmental, performance) specifying exemplars economic—e.g., profitability, revenue; environmental—e.g., carbon emission, energy consumption; social—e.g., diversity) done. If needed, simple diagram antecedents → consequences) shown going too much left next step). Strategically, ensuring stakeholders represented showing benefit help secure early them, society generally consider benefits closer before those further 2022b). Detailing reveals substance underpinning Though aspect unlikely receive detailed scrutiny level editors boards journals; board directors top management teams organizations), almost certain finer-grained inspections improvements happen operational associate reviewers managers executives organizations). former (strategy) relies inputs latter (operations) decision making (Singh 2023), important step 1989). Showing sends across several signals favor One, shows consultation relevant have been carried out prior evidence alternative contexts practice; feedback conference attendees friendly peer academia; reaction beneficiaries industry society), means that, two, refined being presented, three, endorsement likely pose lower risk due received who consulted. Global Business Organizational Excellence (GBOE) comprises conceptual empirical articles (two each) Bangladesh, Ghana, Malaysia, Zimbabwe (one revolve around narrative First, using manufacturing firms country, Makanyeza al. (2023) explored factors influencing small medium enterprises’ innovativeness, revealing firm resources, government institutional policies, networks collaborations positively influence innovativeness. Indeed, innovation asset empowers create respond (Bamel 2023; Ciasullo & 2022), enabling organizational legitimacy, seen Acquah provided albeit another country. Next, methodology informed Lewin's three-stage model involving unfreezing, moving, refreezing, Islam proposes manage global crises such COVID-19. highlights role employee change-championing behavior galvanizing needed successfully implement tackle crises, wherein transformational leadership, change-oriented engagement, leadership enable among employees—thereby, extending conversations mega-disruptions Chin Sutarto 2022) (Islam 2021) transformation 2020) GBOE. Finally, underpinned perspectives institutionalism economics, Mandrinos Lim de-internationalization, extends general de-internationalization (Lim Mandrinos, 2023) tackles emerging understood 2020; theorizing environment (institutional constraint, logic, complexity) compliance orientation (maneuvering, response) engaged international business. Taken collectively, latest GBOE highlight importance five-step approach—i.e., one), two), three), five)—introduced herein useful world) things) something) differently). Weng Marc responsible conceptualization writing (original draft preparation, review, editing). author declares conflict interest. Editor Chief Excellence. He Dean Sunway School University Malaysia Adjunct Professor Swinburne Technology's home campus Australia branch Malaysia. contacted [email protected], protected]