Cultural challenges in oil and gas industry management

Some of the cultural challenges existing in oil and gas industry management are discussed. The oil and gas industry traditionally places much focus on managing technical, financial, and political uncertainties and associated risks. The global oil and gas business is driven by speed, including speed in gaining access to novel prospects, speed in discovering modern reserves, and speed in deciding whether it is profitable to pump up hydrocarbon volumes subject to multiple sub-surface and operational risks. It is suggested that only those energy organizations that have the knowledge how to skillfully handle Emotional Intelligence, and are prepared to invest in it, will be successful. The delivery of gas from the world's major reserves to the future demand centers will also need a major expansion of inter-regional and cross-border gas transport infrastructure.