Includes bibliographical references and index.

"Uncertainty is inherent in human existence and can be an opportunity or a fundamental problem for individuals and organizations. The environment of actors, individuals and organizations alike, is uncertain (Ahrne 1994), which means that we cannot predict the outcomes of actions. This is to say that uncertainty is a largely future-oriented problem. Uncertainty is always perceived, ultimately, by persons, and different structural positions, knowledge, confidence, and emotions may affect the way different people perceive uncertainties (Schutz and Luckmann 1989: 48). The problem of uncertainty is epistemic, caused by lack of knowledge. But though uncertainty is, on one hand a problem, it is also, on the other hand, an opportunity for profit and for a dynamic life"-- Provided by publisher.