Conceptual principles of adaptive management in a commercial bank in martial state conditions

The article examines the theoretical and methodological foundations of adaptive management as a crucial tool for maintaining the stability of Ukraine’s banking sector during martial law. It is determined that the combination of global instability, full-scale aggression, and accelerated digital transformation creates an unprecedented level of uncertainty, rendering traditional, rigid management structures ineffective. It is noted that this requires banks to transition to more flexible, hybrid management models that can quickly respond to external threats and changes. The purpose of the study is to systematize the conceptual principles of adaptive management and to develop practical recommendations for its application in the operations of Ukrainian commercial banks in current conditions. Based on an analysis of academic works from various schools of thought (from classical “learning-by-doing” theories to modern concepts of VUCA, resilience, and Agile methodologies), the key principles of modern adaptive management are generalized, including flexibility, decentralization, and organizational learning. It is proven that these principles are a prerequisite for the effective transformation of banking operations. The paper proposes strategic principles for forming an adaptive bank management system, which includes rejecting rigid hierarchies, strengthening informational transparency, and utilizing modular structures. It outlines five key steps for the practical implementation of these principles, ranging from auditing the current organizational structure and introducing cross-functional teams to digitizing infrastructure, implementing dynamic risk management, and reformulating the management culture. Special attention is paid to the role of a leader as a “facilitator of change” and a “navigator of uncertainty.” It is concluded that, in modern conditions, adaptive management is not just a management approach, but also a philosophy that enables banks to manage uncertainty actively rather than merely react to it. The application of the proposed approaches will contribute to strengthening the resilience of Ukraine’s banking sector, increasing its investment attractiveness, and ensuring financial stability in the context of prolonged martial law. Keywords: Adaptive management, banking sector, martial law, risk management, digital transformation, VUCA environment, organizational structure.