Scholarly record

MECHANISMS OF ORGANISATIONAL RESILIENCE TO WEATHER EXTREMES – AN ATTEMPT OF IDENTIFICATION

Agnieszka Leszczynska

Abstract

Due to their increasing incidence and intensity, weather anomalies are fast becoming one of the main challenges currently faced by organisations worldwide. Their negative consequences can be reduced, however, by developing organisational resilience that provides the capacity to survive the period of disruption and quickly restore organisational structures. The article discusses the mechanisms of organisational resilience triggered by extreme weather phenomena. Said mechanisms constitute a particular form of organisational response to destructive external conditions and a means by which their negative effects are minimised. The aim of the study was to identify such mechanisms of organizational resilience and systematise the same. It is a conceptual review based on a critical analysis. Drawing on a review of the available literature, four categories of organisational resilience to weather extremes are identified: communication, coordination, authority, and learning. Communication mechanisms serve the function of updating and transferring information within the organisation and between the same and its milieu. Mechanisms of coordination focus on self-organisation and utilisation of resources. Mechanisms of authority relate to the assignment of roles and legitimisation of decisions made under extreme circumstances. Mechanisms of learning entail the acquisition of knowledge through experience, document reviews and observation. Learning about the mechanisms of organisational resilience will facilitate efforts aimed at improving their effectiveness and consequently ensuring better preparedness for an event of extreme character and greater restorative capacity.

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