Introduction

The introductory chapter describes the circumstances in which organizations nowadays are pursuing excellence. Purpose and mission are the starting point to define the unique position of the organization within an increasingly dynamic and complex business context. Technological innovation, virtualization of important societal processes, and the increasing role of intangibles in value creation further tighten requirements on organizations. As a consequence, organizations will need to open up more strongly to maintain adequate levels of stakeholder interactions and adopt internal network structures replacing traditional hierarchies. It is indicated how the successive chapters of the book provide a comprehensive, stepwise approach towards achieving business excellence under such circumstances, but also that every organization will have to interpret and implement this in its own particular context.