Collective improvisation in emergency response

Ensieh Roud

doi:10.1016/j.ssci.2020.105104

Abstract

Emergencies are characterized by ambiguity and high stress. An emergency response typically involves a blend of public, private, and volunteer organizations. Responding to emergencies requires the capability to face unforeseen incidents and adequately adapt to them. The need for improvisation can be imperative for the success of an operation. Moreover, the interconnected nature of emergencies mandates collaboration, and collective improvisation can be a tool for handling challenges under the extreme complexity of an emergency. In this study, joint training is linked to the capability of collective improvisation in emergency response at an interorganizational level. The aim of this semi-conceptual study is to explore how joint training can improve collective improvisation capability in emergency response. To meet this aim, a literature review and pilot study are conducted. The context of this study is the management of emergency response in the Norwegian Arctic Sea region. The Arctic Sea region has a harsh climate with limited resources where involved organizations include both civil and military organizations, which makes the improvisation even more critical. This study shows that organizational memory, interorganizational trust, interorganizational communication, and information sharing are prerequisites and mediating variables that positively influence collective improvisation. Organizational structure and complex context also influence collective improvisation in emergency response.

Highlights

Over the past decade, emergencies have become increasingly trans boundary (Pramanik, 2015)
This study aims to bridge this gap in understanding through the following research question: How can joint training improve the collective improvisation capabilities in emergency response?
This study addressed the challenges and highlighted the importance of collective improvisation capabilities in emergency response

Summary

Introduction

Emergencies have become increasingly trans boundary (Pramanik, 2015). Today’s emergency response organizations operate in an environment characterized by high risk and uncertainty. A series of incidents, such as the 9/11 attack, transport bombings in Europe, Hurricane Katrina, California wildfires, 22/7 Utøya, the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami in 2004, the Costa Concordia sinking, and the cruise ship Viking Sky incident in Norway, have confronted national governments around the world. These unanticipated tragedies have far-reaching and profound effects on society in general and emergency organizations in particular (Wang, 2008).

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