Coordination for Effective Performance during Crises When Training Matters.
Abstract
This paper examines what types of organizational structures are most effective during crisis, and least affected by crisis, as the level of training with the organization is varied. Many organizations are engaged in quasi- repetitive integrated decision making tasks in which similar problems occur one after the next but each problem is so complex that no one individual can access or analyze all pertinent information. In such organizations, training is vital as performance improves as individual decision makers gain experience. Regardless of the level of training, crisis are expected to degrade performance. The degree to which performance is degraded, however, is expected to vary with the type of crisis, the level of training, and the type of organizational structure. Using simulation, the relative impact of crisis on organizations with different structures and different levels of training is examined. These studies demonstrate that the optimal crisis configuration depends on the level of training (Carley, minga; Carley, 1990a). One result is that dual-command hierarchies may fair best when the organization is fully trained, but in an untrained organization team structure may be more optimal.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 29, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA240431
Entities
People
- Kathleen Carley
Organizations
- University of Pittsburgh