Ad hoc crisis management and crisis evasion. (1st February 2005)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hensgen, Tobin; Desouza, Kevin C.; Evaristo, J. Roberto
• Is Part Of: International journal of technology, policy and management. Volume 4:Number 3(2004)
• Page Start: 257
• Page End: 274
• Publication Date: 2005-02-01
• Subjects: complexity -- cybernetics -- value-based theory -- emergence -- entropy -- coupling -- cohesion -- information theory -- semiotics -- validity -- probability -- consequence -- crisis management -- crisis evasion -- organisational crisis -- information infrastructure -- crisis avoidance -- organisational memory; Technological innovations -- Management -- Periodicals; Technology and state -- Periodicals; 658.51405
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1468-4322

Abstract

We maintain the lack of organisational consideration for the affects of "emergence" is the real culprit in terms of organisational crises. Emergence discards the notion that organisations are deterministic and top-down in nature in favor of the view that holds an organisation's existence depends on rules of evolution that include a capacity to realise and react to adapt to sudden changes as they occur. Such changes provide "new" information that is often ignored although it may indicate a better way to handle an evolving situation before it reaches fruition. We assert that the sheer complexity associated with the information infrastructure that might have averted many disasters makes a human top-down or any a priori ordered approach to crisis inadequate. The study of emergence, specifically during impending crisis, employs an ad hoc method intended to anticipate problems before they develop and should be regarded as a relevant step toward evading crisis.