Crisis Management Research Articles

Impact of exogenous brand crises on consumer behaviour

PurposeGlobal brands have become increasingly vulnerable to external disruptions that have negative spillover effects on consumers, business and brands. This research area has recently garnered interest post-pandemic yet remains fragmented. The purpose of this paper is to recognize the most impactful exogenous brand crisis (EBC) and its affective and behavioural impact on consumers.Design/methodology/approachIn Study 1, we applied repertory grid technique (RGT), photo elicitation method and ANOVA comparisons, to identify the most significant EBC, in terms of repercussions on consumer purchases. In Study 2, we performed collage construction and content analysis to ascertain the impact of the identified significant crisis (from Study 1) on consumer behaviour in terms of affective and behavioural changes.FindingsStudy 1 results reveal Spread-of-diseases and Natural disaster to be the most impactful EBC based on consumer’s purchase decisions. Study 2 findings uncover three distinct themes, namely, deviant demand, emotional upheaval and community bonding that throws light on the affective and behavioural changes in consumer behaviour during the two significant EBC events.Research limitations/implicationsThe collated results of the two studies draw insights towards understanding the largely unexplored conceptualisation of EBC from a multi-level (micro-meso-macro) perspective. The integrated framework drawn, highlight the roles and influences of different players in exogenous brand crisis management and suggests future research agendas based on theoretical underpinnings.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study which identifies the most important EBC and explicates its profound impact on consumer purchase behaviour, providing critical insights to brand managers and practitioners to take an inclusive approach towards exogenous crises.

Fostering social sustainability: unveiling HR’s power in enhancing employee resilience via social exchange and broaden-and-build theories

PurposeThis study focusses on the intersection of social sustainability and human resource management (HRM) as a strategy for crisis management. It aims to provide detailed insight by exploring the associations between socially sustainable HRM (SSHRM), employee well-being, trust in social capital and employee resilience.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a cross-sectional research design to test relationships amongst variables. Data was gathered from employees in India’s private-sector information technology (IT) industry, making the framework relevant to this specific context. The study employed the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyse complex relationships between the variables.FindingsThe results indicate that organisations can boost employee resilience through SSHRM implementation, promote personal well-being (PWB) and family well-being (FWB) and foster trust in social capital. Additionally, the study highlights the moderating impact of employee empowerment, improving the translation of positive employee behaviour in organisational settings.Practical implicationsOur research emphasises the importance of sustainability efforts and strategies focused on social capital to build long-lasting employee connections. This highlights the necessity of incorporating social sustainability objectives into the organisation’s strategic blueprint, ensuring integration into decision-making procedures.Originality/valueThis study uniquely explores the underlying mechanisms through which SSHRM influences employee resilience. An in-depth empirical analysis evinces the causal mechanism between SSHRM, employee well-being, social capital trust and employee resilience.

Evaluating Crisis Management Performance of Turkish School Administrations: Covid-19 Pandemic

In this study, the crisis management performance of the Turkish Education System and School Administration in the case of the Covid-19 Pandemic was evaluated by considering the importance of post-crisis evaluation and research gap. For this purpose, qualitative (N=17) and quantitative (N=444) data of the experiences and opinions of school administrators working in formal compulsory schools selected by purposeful, random and available sampling techniques from different provinces representing first-level statistical regions were evaluated. Crisis management performance evaluation criteria, which were created by a literature review, were utilized in the evaluation. Semi-structured interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data. We implemented both content analysis and descriptive statistics in line with the mixed method exploratory sequential research design. We first carried out the content analysis then, we investigated the prevalence of the matter by surveying. At the last phase of the analysis, we synthesized the qualitative and quantitative results. At the end of the study, it was observed that the crisis management practices of the Turkish Education System were not based on a long-term foresight, no preliminary preparation was made, and the problems in performing the basic functions during the crisis could not be completely resolved. For this reason, it has been concluded that the performance of the Turkish Education System and school administrations in managing the crisis is low.

The Catholic Church in Hungary and Romania during the Communist Dictatorship: A Comparative Analysis

The structure and cultural characteristics of a society are, in the words of Joseph Schumpeter, “like metal” – they bend and melt but do not readily evaporate. My comparative analysis confirms the diagnosis that the everyday presence of dictatorship cannot be adequately described by the standard top-down models of ideologically driven communist power. The substantive differences in developments between Hungary and Romania suggest that external power is only part of the construct, however rigid the hegemonic structure. By looking at the reactions caused by similar effects in different contexts, it becomes clear what has an impact on what. The relationship of the churches to the state in the countries under study includes similarities and differences shaped by distinct historical trajectories that are partly structural and partly situational. In terms of circumstances, Romania’s Orthodox pattern regarding the relationship between the state and the church also determined the relationship with other denominations and sealed the fate of Greek Orthodox Catholics. The measures taken against Roman Catholics, although more or less the same as in Hungary, also tended more towards the state-church model. However, this feature was not the primary cause of the different impact in Romania compared to Hungary. This is because, just as the relationship between church and state differed from country to country, so did the relationship of the churches to their own “national” societies. Further, no matter how tempting it might be to consider the Catholic Church a closed entity, the comparison clarifies that neither the hierarchical division nor the same (Catholic) norm made behaviour uniform. The differences arising from local configurations of the single norm grew more and more evident in the 1950s. All this suggests that state and church strategies and actions were shaped more by the conflict of contexts and pressures to comply than by the tension between the scope of action and the constraints: the differences between Romania and Hungary are explained by the different contexts and the cross-generational ecclesiastical and social patterns A greater historical understanding explains how bishops in Hungary, in line with previous conditions and established practice, hoped for quasi-freedom in church operations through a “partnership” with the state while the Roman Catholic Church in Romania has been operating under exlex conditions for four decades. That does not mean that a rational-legal approach on its own is the key to understanding what has occurred. Under a dictatorship, we can identify deviance, excesses, abuses and arbitrary actions in relation to the law. However, these “models” can only be understood in the context of processes that transcend political history. The behaviour of the authorities in Bucharest towards the Catholic Church has been dramatic compared to other countries under Soviet influence. With the arrests of Áron Márton and Anton Durcovici, the public hierarchy appointed by the Holy See ceased to exist. The elimination of dioceses by the state was also a unique feature. The resistance organised by the Jesuits and Franciscans, with the support of the faithful, successfully paralysed the ecclesiastical administration, which had been put in place due to state intervention after the arrest of Áron Márton. This process was largely due to the church’s strengthened social embeddedness in previous years and its successful adaptation of strategies developed to cope with its minority status. Over the centuries, the Catholic Church in Transylvania has faced a series of challenges that have threatened its very existence. These pressures have also shaped the thinking of its clergy and its relationship with its faithful. The recoveries from crises have led to innovative and flexible adaptation strategies, making the local church “tough” and thus contributing to its management of the next crisis. The mentality of the church, which was minimally domesticated or determined by the secular power, showed fewer Josephine traits than in Hungary. The relationship between church and state tended towards the passive model, while the relationship between church and society tended towards the active model. The Catholic Church’s double minority status in Transylvania during the Communist years – minority as a Hungarian and minority as a Catholic – created an alternative society that did not allow it to abstain entirely from politics. Beyond individual choices, this also made its confrontational position more flexible and its submission more moderate.

Hypercalcemic Crisis Due to Parathyroid Adenoma Improved by Continuous Hemodialysis with a Common Calcium Concentration Dialysate: Discussion of Therapeutic Management.

A hypercalcemic crisis due to primary hyperparathyroidism is a life-threatening condition. We herein report a 71-years-old man with hypercalcemic crisis due to primary hyperparathyroidism with parathyroid adenoma. Generally, hemodialysis or continuous hemodiafiltration using calcium-free or low-calcium dialysate is performed early for hypercalcemic crisis. In this case, continuous hemodialysis with a common calcium concentration dialysate improved the hypercalcemic crisis, and parathyroidectomy was performed. The patient recovered sufficiently. Prediction of hypercalcemia crisis, appropriate introduction and methods of blood purification therapy, and timing decisions for parathyroidectomy are required for therapeutic management of hypercalcemic crisis with parathyroid adenoma.

Nam Nghi Resort in Phu Quoc

Learning outcomes This case study provides in-depth, practical knowledge to develop business strategies for the management program. After reading this case study, the students will be able to learn about the challenges and problems that service firms face during a crisis, the drastic changes in the market environment due to a crisis and the analysis tools that can be used when analyzing the shifted market environment. By analyzing this case study, students will be trained for the decision-making that arises in the process of crisis management in the hotel industry. Case overview/synopsis Nam Nghi Resort, situated on the picturesque Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam, experienced the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the pandemic, Nam Nghi was a thriving five-star resort, deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and renowned for its luxurious amenities and breathtaking location. However, the onset of COVID-19 brought unprecedented challenges to the hospitality industry, leading to a sharp decline in tourism and revenue. Despite the adversity, Nam Nghi implemented risk management practices successfully and displayed resilience and adaptability. Through rigorous cost minimization, strategic facility upgrades and targeted marketing efforts, Nam Nghi managed to navigate the crisis and gradually rebuild its business as travel restrictions eased. As the industry began to show signs of recovery, the general manager faced new challenges in restoring the resort’s prepandemic vitality. The challenge remained of understanding changing consumer values and market dynamics. Complexity academic level This case study can be used as class material for Master of Business Administration (MBA) students. In particular, MBA students in the hospitality industry such as hotels, resorts, travel agencies and restaurants are the target audience. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 12: Tourism and hospitality.

Educational Leadership: A Fifteen Year Bibliometric Review

Exploring educational leadership is crucial for shaping the future of higher education, influencing students, educators, and institutional dynamics. This thorough review is conducted by analyzing 36 research articles published in the Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice (JUTLP) from 2008 to 2022. The study underscores the urgent need for a nuanced understanding of diverse leadership practices within the ever-changing educational landscape. While the majority of studies in JUTLP focused on women's leadership, it became evident that other aspects of educational leadership are yet to be explored in the journal’s domain. The analysis also highlights significant gaps in the existing literature, emphasizing the necessity for more comprehensive studies that encompass broader societal contexts and global perspectives. The prevalence of qualitative methodologies in the analyzed articles indicates a preference for profound qualitative insights into leadership dynamics within academia, particularly in this journal. Key findings pinpoint critical areas for future exploration. With the spotlight on women's leadership, the study identifies gaps in research published In JUTLP related to diversity in leadership roles, international comparative studies, crisis management strategies, and the effective integration of technology in education. A particularly notable gap revolves around understanding the impact of educational leadership on sessional staff, urging institutions to empower this essential segment of academia. Additionally, the study offers strategic guidance for the Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice (JUTLP), steering future research endeavors towards more inclusive, diverse, and globally relevant studies within the domain of educational leadership.

COVID‐19 pandemic as a crisis for higher education institutions? Challenges and turning points based on teachers' perspectives

AbstractDuring COVID‐19 pandemic, higher education institutions (HEIs) implemented new types of working, teaching and communicating quickly. Thereby, faculty staff faced multiple challenges in professional regards. They were in a ‘sandwich position’ between the HEIs and the students and they presumably took on the role of ‘on site’ crisis managers who often had to embed the situation communicatively. Against this background, this article addresses the questions: What challenges for HEIs revealed during the COVID‐19 pandemic from the teachers’ perspective? And: To what extent can assumptions about turning points in the higher education (HE) system be derived from this? Answers are based on the triangulation of a literature review and data from an online survey. The results point to human, organizational and technical challenges, and opportunities in terms of communication, teaching, resilience and crisis management. At the end, some assumptions are derived that can be used for further research.

Making donations work in crisis management: A contingent governance transition in philanthropy in Wuhan's COVID‐19 response

AbstractIn response to public complaints about the chaotic management of donations during the emergency, the site of the first identified COVID‐19 case, Wuhan (in central China), underwent a contingent governance transition. And given the public complaints about the disorganized management of donations during the early stage of emergency management in Wuhan in January 2020, local governments initiated a minor governance transition in philanthropy, involving multiple stakeholders such as public and private charities, as well as private enterprises. In contrast to the abundance of literature on governance actors such as the state, the market, and societal actors, this review discusses the changes in governance mechanisms using publicly available data from governmental websites, policy documents, and news reports. It examines a minor governance change in local philanthropy from hierarchical bureaucratic governance to embryotic non‐monocentric governance and to expedient collaborative/interactive governance. Moreover, it highlights the yet‐to‐be institutionalized characteristics of the newly emerging governance models in China, a country where the traditional mode of hierarchical governance is dominant. This article not only adds to the body of evidence on governance failures caused by monocentric bureaucracy, but it also contributes to the literature on public governance transition in China's philanthropic sector and the state‐society relations more broadly.

Public health: a forgotten piece of the adaptation law puzzle

This paper uses the problem of extreme heat to illustrate the inadequacy of laws for protecting public health under climate change. Climate change is already having serious effects on public health. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report highlights significant adaptation gaps for human health protection, urging that public health adaptation must be ‘proactive, timely and effective’. The law can be a powerful tool for advancing adaptation to protect public health, but there has been very little scholarly analysis of its potential, or whether in some circumstances it may promote maladaptation. For example, legal regimes for land use planning typically respect existing uses of property and make retrofitting for climate-proofing hard to mandate. These regimes can take many years to amend so new infrastructure continues to comply with outdated approaches, such as relying on air conditioning for cooling and offering limited shading. Laws also promote a focus on crisis management during a heat event but fail to promote the preventive action necessary to foster resilience. We present a case study of how the law exacerbates public health risks from extreme heat and falls short of facilitating adaptation in the Greater Western Sydney region of Australia, an area with a population of 2.6 million. In 2019, this area experienced a record near-surface air temperature of 52°C (125.6°F) causing significant adverse physical and mental health impacts. The public health impacts of extreme temperatures in this region are well documented, as are the increasing strains on emergency and health services. This case study demonstrates that laws could help to control heat in the landscape and secure the safety of vulnerable populations, but to do so they must prioritize adaptation to the health impacts of climate change.

Double-edged sword of corporate social responsibility (CSR) halo: the role of CSR efforts and crisis type and severity

ABSTRACT In recent years, the restaurant industry has been struggling with a variety of brand crises, including both product and moral harm crises. To mitigate the negative impact of such crises on their brands, companies are actively engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. While a number of previous studies have investigated the influence of CSR on consumers’ responses to a brand in a routine setting, few have incorporated crisis-related situational variables into their examination of the role of CSR in a brand crisis situation. In order to test the extent to which the CSR halo plays a role in consumers’ evaluation in a brand crisis event, this study used a scenario-based 2 CSR efforts (low/high) x 2 crisis type (product harm/moral harm crisis) x 2 crisis severity (low/high) experimental design. The findings suggest that a higher level of brand engagement in CSR can offset the negative consequences of brand crisis in the case of product harm and less severe brand crisis, compared to moral harm and severe brand crisis, respectively. Our results provide valuable insights for companies wishing to respond successfully to a brand crisis event based on predicted consumers’ responses and on their CSR reputation.

Assessing lava flow susceptibility at neighbouring volcanoes: Nyamulagira and Nyiragongo volcanoes, Virunga Volcanic Province

Assessing volcanic hazards in locations exposed to multiple central volcanoes requires to consider multiple potential eruption sources and their respective characteristics. While this is common practice in ashfall hazard assessment, this is generally not considered for topography-controlled volcanic flow processes. Yet, in volcanic areas with closely spaced volcanic systems, eruptions fed from several contrasted volcanic systems might threaten one given area. Considering the case of the Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira volcanoes in the Virunga Volcanic Province (D.R.Congo), we present a method to produce a combined lava flow inundation susceptibility map that integrates both volcanoes. The spatial distribution of the probability of vent opening for the next eruption is separately constrained for both volcanoes based on the mapping of historical and pre-historical eruptive vents and fissures. The Q-LavHa lava flow probability model is then calibrated separately for each volcano, considering several historical lava flows of Nyamulagira (2004, 2006, 2010) and Nyiragongo (2002). The maps for the two volcanoes are thereafter integrated based on a weighted sum of both individual lava flow inundation probability maps, assuming historically-based relative eruption frequency of the two volcanoes. The accuracy of this probabilistic susceptibility map for the most active volcanic region in Africa was unfortunately validated by the May 2021 lava flow produced by Nyiragongo. This map was discussed and validated in 2019 with local scientists, as well as representatives of disaster management and urban planning institutions, but was not included in the regional contingency plan ahead of the 2021 eruption crisis. Updating the volcanic crisis and evacuation management plans with this lava flow probability map could contribute to reinforce risk awareness among the population and inform the future development of the city of Goma.

Making agile governance work: the community grid as a ‘safety valve’ institution during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for agile governance to effectively address and prevent future global crises. Scholars have examined China’s grid system and its application by local governments in controlling the spread of COVID-19. Our research supports these findings, and we further argue that the grid system enhances responsiveness, inclusiveness, and transparency in governance, thereby benefiting both the government and its citizens. Through a detailed case study of grid governance in the M District of Shanghai from July 2020 to August 2022, we explore the operational mechanisms of the grid system. By incorporating the safety valve theory, we propose that the community grid, the smallest administrative unit in China, functions as an institution to issue pre-emptive warnings, integrate communities, and alleviate pressures during times of crisis, contributing to governance agility. As grid governance has constantly been strengthened, this research not only advances our comprehension of the effectiveness of grassroots governance in China, but also offers valuable insights pertaining to crisis management in mega-cities worldwide.

Leading Through Crisis: Lessons from Hanuman's Journey to Lanka as depicted in Sundarkand

This paper explores the leadership strategies exemplified by Hanuman in the Sundarkand, a pivotal chapter of the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana, and elucidates their relevance in navigating crises in contemporary leadership contexts. Through a detailed analysis of Hanuman's actions and decision-making processes during his mission to Lanka, this paper identifies key leadership lessons, including strategic thinking, courage, teamwork, and resilience. Drawing parallels between the challenges faced by Hanuman and those encountered by leaders in modern times, this study offers insights and actionable strategies for effective crisis management and leadership development. Key Words Hanuman, Sundarkand, Ramayana, crisis leadership, strategic thinking, resilience, teamwork.

The Development Path of the Hungarian Public Administration from the Regime Change to the New Era of Crises

The Hungarian public administration development path can be displayed in four stages: “democratisation” from 1990 until 1998, the beginning year of the EU accession negotiations; “Europeanisation” as preparing for EU accession until 2004, when Hungary became full member of the EU together with 9 other countries. The next phase is the unsuccessful “quest for efficiency” until 2010, including 2008, when the Hungarian state budget faced insolvency and turned to the IMF for a standby loan. Finally, in 2010 the era of continual crisis management started with the financial and economic crisis, the migrant crisis, the Covid–19, and the war in Ukraine.

Global One Health post-graduate programmes: a review

BackgroundThe One Health (OH) approach recognises that humans, animals, plants, and the environment are interrelated, and therefore seeks to facilitate collaboration, communication, coordination, and capacity building between relevant stakeholders to achieve a healthier ecosystem. This calls for integrating OH into established governance, policy, health, education, and community structures, and requires OH professionals equipped with the necessary inter and trans-disciplinary skillset. Therefore, numerous OH training programmes are currently being offered globally. However, the coordination and contents of some of these trainings have been criticised as inconsistent and inadequately standardised, and therefore could serve as a barrier to OH implementation. In this study, an up-to-date repository of a subset of OH academic programmes offered globally was provided, and their curricula contents was critically assessed.MethodsBetween December 2022 and April 2023, an online search for key terms ‘ONE HEALTH MASTERS COURSES’, and ‘ONE HEALTH MASTERS PROGRAMMES’ together with variations of ‘AFRICA’, ‘NORTH AMERICA’, ‘ASIA’, ‘AUSTRALIA’, ‘EUROPE’, 'GLOBAL' was conducted. Details about course title, delivery mode, joint administration status, curricula contents, language of instruction, years to completion, host university, country, and continent were collected.ResultsForty-three programmes met inclusion criteria of the study, and almost all (n = 36, 83.7%) were tailored towards infectious diseases and population/global health, compared to the environmental and conservation perspectives. Compiled curricula contents clustered into one of these 12 sub-headings: ‘principles and concepts of OH’, ‘epidemiology and biostatistics’, ‘major branches of OH’, ‘internship/externship/research project’, ‘infectious diseases, zoonoses, and surveillance’, ‘risk analysis and crises management’, ‘food safety, microbiology, immunology, and allied’, ‘communication’, ‘ethics’, ‘economics, policy, and management’ and ‘others. Of these, infectious disease themes were the most common. Regarding geography and organising institutions, North America and Europe, and veterinary institutions, respectively, were the most represented.ConclusionDespite the multi-level diversity observed, uniformity still exists across the programmes which favours interdisciplinary cross-talks. Future pedagogical studies that objectively assess the alignment of module contents with the OH core competencies and the impacts of these OH programmes is recommended. With this study, a critical information gap that has existed for long in the OH field has been bridged.

Relationship between interprofessional collaboration and psychological distress experienced by healthcare professionals during COVID-19: a monocentric cross-sectional study

BackgroundSince the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, global healthcare systems have faced unprecedented challenges, leading to significant psychological distress among healthcare professionals. Recognizing the importance of enhanced interprofessional collaboration in alleviating this burden, as emphasized by the World Health Organization in 2020, we investigated whether such collaboration could mitigate staff psychological distress during crises. To our knowledge, no study has yet explored the role of interprofessional collaboration as a resilience factor in crises.MethodsFor this monocentric cross-sectional study at a German university hospital, we examined the relationship between the quality of interprofessional collaboration and the psychological distress of healthcare professionals during the initial pandemic wave. We employed validated mental health instruments, such as the GAD-7 and PHQ-2, to assess anxiety and depressive symptoms. Additionally, custom-designed questionnaires evaluated “Pandemic-Associated Burden and Anxiety (PAB; PAA)” and interprofessional crisis management experiences. A novel “Interprofessional collaboration and communication (IPC)” assessment tool was developed based on international competency frameworks, demonstrating strong reliability.ResultsThe study involved 299 healthcare professionals (78.6% in direct contact with COVID-19 patients). Moderate levels of PAB/PAA were reported. However, a significant proportion experienced clinically relevant anxiety, as indicated by GAD-7. Negative IPC perceptions correlated with higher levels of psychological distress. Linear regression analysis showed associations between interprofessional collaboration and anxious and depressive symptoms, and pandemic-related burden.ConclusionOur findings highlight the vital role of enhanced interprofessional collaboration in strengthening the psychological well-being of healthcare professionals during crises. The study underscores the need to foster a collaborative environment and integrate interprofessional education for resilience.

HARNESSING DATA INSIGHTS FOR CRISIS MANAGEMENT IN U.S. PUBLIC HEALTH: LESSONS LEARNED AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

The effective management of crises in U.S. public health relies heavily on harnessing insights from data. This paper examines the lessons learned from past crises and outlines future directions for leveraging data to enhance crisis management efforts. Drawing on case studies of significant events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters, we analyze the role of data in informing decision-making, identifying challenges, and deriving best practices. Despite the advancements in data infrastructure, including real-time monitoring systems and predictive analytics, there remain significant challenges in data collection, integration, and analysis. The paper highlights the importance of improving data governance, investing in technology, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to address these challenges. Additionally, considerations such as equity and privacy are crucial in the development and implementation of data-driven strategies. Looking ahead, the paper provides recommendations for enhancing crisis management practices, including the adoption of standardized data protocols, the development of early warning systems, and the promotion of data-driven decision-making processes. By prioritizing data-driven approaches and embracing continuous learning, stakeholders can better prepare for and respond to future public health crises. This paper serves as a roadmap for policymakers, public health officials, and researchers to optimize data utilization in crisis management, ultimately safeguarding the well-being of communities across the United States.
 Keywords:  Data Insights, Crisis Management, in U.S. Public Health, Lessons Learned, Future Directions.

Unmet occupational needs of first responders transitioning to retirement

ABSTRACT First responders have high-stress jobs, identify with their professions’ crisis management actions, and yet are highly communal in their work life. They are often unprepared for retirement and transition to civilian life. As a result, their occupational needs are mostly unsatisfied. We employed a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to understand the lived experience of retirement transition among first responders. Data were collected in four focus groups with 15 first responders. A hermeneutical spiral guided the exploration of the data in a back-and-forth and parts-to-whole-text approach to search for new insights via a three-step thematic analysis process. Four themes and nine subthemes emerged from data analysis. Supersuit painted a picture of self-identity tied to the first responder role. Civilian detailed first responders’ transition from public safety to civilian life. The Door Shuts described accounts of a fast work exit without proper retirement preparation and post-retirement care. Staying Busy explained the importance of occupational engagement in retirement. The research findings pointed to unmet occupational, human needs of doing, being, becoming, and belonging, and struggles in retirement transition among retired first responders. Occupational engagement and social participation in retirement appeared to be crucial in meeting those needs and alleviating substantial challenges of retirement transition. We conclude with recommendations for future research and program development to assist first responders to an occupationally rich retirement.

Building synergistic mindsets in international business education: the unmet demands of a VUCA marketplace

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic was an eye-opening experience that put to the test our crisis management competencies across many institutions, including those offered by institutions of higher education. This study aims to review the literature on international business (IB) risks and IB education (IBE) to question whether business graduates are equipped to make decisions in today’s volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) marketplace. Design/methodology/approach While the IB literature has discussed the importance of various sources of risks on global business operations, IBE did not effectively adopt an integrative approach to building the needed risk management competencies related to those risks into our education. The authors argue that this integrative approach to teaching IB is critically needed to prepare future global managers for addressing crises, like that of the pandemic and others. Specifically, this study proposes that this integrated risk management competency can be developed through the building of “synergistic mindsets”. Findings This study presents a conceptual framework for the components of the synergistic mindset, with intelligence that directly links to present IB risks. These components are cultural intelligence (CQ), emotional intelligence (EQ), public policy intelligence (PPQ), digital intelligence (DQ) and orchestration intelligence (OQ). Originality/value Insights related to IBE effectiveness in addressing today’s VUCA market demands and IB risks are discussed.