Björn J E Johansson. (2020). Boundary Stories – A Systems Perspective on Inter-organizational Learning from Crisis Response Exercises. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 427–434). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Inter-organizational exercises are commonly conducted with the aim to improve overall crisis response system performance. However, there are challenges associated with establishing learning goals for, designing and evaluating inter-organizational exercises. This work-in-progress paper applies a systems science perspective on the Swedish crisis response system with the aim to understand (1) what kind of a system it is (2) what properties or mechanisms enable good system performance?, and, (3) what are desirable training goals for improving the crisis response capability of the Swedish crisis response system? The author suggests that (1) the Swedish crisis response system can be seen as a Complex Adaptive System, and (2) that the focus must shift from exercising organizations' intra-organizational capabilities to adaptive capabilities. The latter can be achieved by designing exercises comprising boundary-crossing activities with the purpose to support the buildup of boundary-crossing competence. Cross-organizational learning can be achieved by identifying, documenting and disseminating boundary stories.
|
Jonas Herkevall, & Björn J E Johansson. (2022). Understanding Understanding at the Boundary of Inter-organizational Crisis Management – Perspectives from the Swedish COVID-19 Response. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 322–333). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: The objective of this paper is to understand understanding at the boundaries of inter-organizational crisis management – through different practitioner accounts of the Swedish COVID-19 response. Large-scale crisis management is challenging, as it demands cooperation across organizational boundaries. This paper presents an interview study conducted in Sweden during the COVID-19 response. Findings suggest that cooperative work at the inter-organizational boundaries depends on the ability to bridge discursive boundaries. From the perspective of an organization, this demands understanding of the rationale, values, constraints and capabilities of other organizations. Interviewees expressed frustration due to the time demands of establishing such an understanding. Despite time demands, establishing understanding was needed as the ability to conduct basic tasks such as sharing information and resources, and coordinating action emerge from that understanding. In this paper, it is suggested that new approaches to training that comprise general boundary-crossing skills be added to existing training and exercise programs.
|