This preface discusses the turbulent external environment that organizations have faced since the previous edition, including economic challenges, wars and civil unrest, environmental issues, and rapid technological change. However, it also notes some positive trends in areas like human rights, reductions in poverty and crime, and efforts to address social and environmental problems. The authors emphasize that the book has always stressed the influence of external forces on organizations and the need for change leaders to be aware of trends in their environments in order to both react to challenges and pursue visions for positive change.