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Article
Publication date: 19 August 2021

Gerry Larsson, Aida Alvinius, Bjørn Bakken and Thorvald Hœrem

This paper aims to systematically review the extant research on social psychological aspects of civil-military inter-organizational collaboration, particularly in a total defense…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to systematically review the extant research on social psychological aspects of civil-military inter-organizational collaboration, particularly in a total defense context.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic scoping studies review was performed. Peer-reviewed articles were searched in PsycInfo and Sociological Abstracts. Inclusion criteria were met by 25 articles.

Findings

Four higher-order categories with underpinning categories were derived in the analysis. They were modeled as follows: antecedent conditions affect, informal processes and practical efforts, which, in turn, affect inter-organizational trust and collaboration. These higher-order categories are all influenced by formal organizational aspects and the society in which they are found.

Research limitations/implications

The existing literature covering the chosen study focus is limited. Further studies are needed and the presented model can serve as a road map.

Practical implications

A series of questions derived from the categories of the model is presented. The questions are included as a tool for practical reflection for collaborating actors in common education, training or exercise settings or in after-action reviews.

Originality/value

The focus on social psychological aspects of civil-military inter-organizational collaboration, particularly in a total defense context, is new. The suggested relationship between superior themes adds knowledge to a research field dominated by sociological and political science approaches.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 December 2007

Gerry Larsson, Thorvald Haerem, Misa Sjöberg, Aida Alvinius and Björn Bakken

The purpose of this research is to develop a theoretical understanding of indirect leadership in a severely stressful peacekeeping context, focusing on the perspective of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to develop a theoretical understanding of indirect leadership in a severely stressful peacekeeping context, focusing on the perspective of subordinates. Peacekeeping missions in recent decades have led to increased exposure to acute danger.

Design/methodology/approach

Retrospective in‐depth interviews were carried out with 17 Norwegian officers and soldiers, who were involved in the handling of a violent riot in Kosovo during a peacekeeping mission. The interviews were analyzed using a grounded theory approach.

Findings

A model emerged with three categories: Situational Characteristics, Organizational Characteristics, and the Commander's Intent. A related core category was labelled Subordinates' Appraisal or Sensemaking. During the climax of the riot, a strict following of the ordinary chain of command was impractical. Local initiatives at lower organizational levels were needed, but these, in turn, required competence and a trustful organizational environment.

Research limitations/implications

Not representative of the entire population. Given the male‐dominated military context under consideration, there could be no meaningful analysis of possible gender‐related differences. The results related to a general model of indirect leadership and specific stress. Organizational theory‐related additions and limitations are suggested.

Practical implications

The proposed model may be a practical tool for management education.

Originality/value

The study's identification of key aspects of indirect leadership in severely stressful contexts is a useful addition to the literature.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 November 2007

Gerry Larsson, Misa Sjöberg, Sofia Nilsson, Aida Alvinius and Björn Bakken

The purpose of this paper is to explore the applicability of a previously developed model of indirect leadership (qualitative Grounded Theory case study) in a broader military…

2191

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the applicability of a previously developed model of indirect leadership (qualitative Grounded Theory case study) in a broader military context.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was operationalised to specific questionnaires for high‐level managers, middle‐level managers, and lower‐level employees. Data were obtained from 147 Norwegian and 134 Swedish military officers, representing all three levels, and serving in the Army and Air Force respectively.

Findings

The theoretical model of indirect leadership was partly supported. Higher importance was attributed to image‐oriented top‐down influence, rather than to action‐oriented influence via directly subordinate commanders, which may be understood using developmental, transformational, and authentic leadership formulations. Meaningful patterns of subgroup differences were obtained.

Research limitations/implications

Indirect leadership is complex and bottom‐up influences were not taken into account, not all aspects of the top‐down influence process were covered, only military contexts were studied, and no meaningful analysis of possible gender‐related differences was possible in this male‐dominated context.

Practical implications

The obtained support of the theoretical model legitimises its use as a tool in higher military management education and coaching.

Originality/value

The measurement tools of indirect leadership and the quantitatively based support of a Grounded Theory model with a how‐focus on indirect leadership.

Details

Leadership & Organization Development Journal, vol. 28 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7739

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 13 April 2015

Antonella La Rocca

1052

Abstract

Details

IMP Journal, vol. 9 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-1403

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2006

Bjørn Erik Mørk, Thomas Hoholm and Margunn Aanestad

The purpose of this paper is to describe the knowledge generation in a cross‐disciplinary group in Norway that developed a new medical device. The aim is to shed light on how…

1446

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the knowledge generation in a cross‐disciplinary group in Norway that developed a new medical device. The aim is to shed light on how knowledge was generated and how the relationships between different communities of practice were mediated. In particular, the paper seeks to examine how material objects and contextual conditions influenced the innovation process.

Design/methodology/approach

In this longitudinal case study an innovation process was followed for five years, and the research material was constructed through extensive observations, interviews and document analysis.

Findings

The innovation process exhibited different themes in varying degrees of blend throughout the process. First, the practices of constructing the device and ascertaining technical feasibility are described. Then the enacted nature of the work is outlined; how it was significantly dependent on circumstantial factors, but also strongly shaped by the need to ensure clinical usability of the device. Finally, the work to package the innovation and turn it into a commercial product is explored.

Originality/value

In contrast with many previous studies, this study follows large parts of the innovation process, and it emphasises how knowing and practice are a result of networked, and changing, relations between both human and non‐human actors. Rather than one community of practice emerging around the innovation work, what can be called an object‐centred assemblage of communities of practice was seen, which grew and changed according to the changing nature of knowledge needs for the project to continue and succeed. This has interesting implications for the understanding of cross‐disciplinary innovation processes.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 9 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

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