Reliable performance in critical asset introductions: A comparative study on collective mindfulness

Abstract

Asset-intensive organizations heavily rely on physical assets that are often expensive, complex and have a significant impact on performance. Introducing new critical assets is characterized by a strong need for reliable performance despite typical teething problems. New asset introductions raise (obvious) questions about the reliability of technical systems, but often neglected or overlooked, also about the reliability of organizational systems. The concept of collective mindfulness may support asset-intensive organizations to recognize and manage organizational reliability, but empirical research on its application in the context of physical asset management seems to be missing. This study addresses this gap through an empirical exploration by assessing collective mindfulness in critical asset introductions at three asset-intensive organizations. This research contributes by providing detailed insights into what practices of asset-intensive organizations can be seen as mindful and supports reliability seeking organizations when introducing new critical assets. An explorative multiple case study revealed distinctive operationalizations for the five processes of collective mindfulness for critical asset introductions. In addition, limited evidence was found of organizational mechanisms influencing these processes of collective mindfulness. This can be considered an opportunity to increase reliable performance in complex asset introductions. Therefore, future research should be aimed at how asset-intensive organizations can implement collective mindfulness principles to adopt a more mindful organizational infrastructure.