Public Crisis Management and an enlarged view on Network Organization. A Discussion on Organic Organization

Authors:

  • Kaiser Magnus
  • Larsson Per
  • Hörnsten Friberg Lisa

Publish date: 2004-01-01

Report number: FOI-R--1248--SE

Pages: 86

Written in: Swedish

Abstract

This study concludes that betwork organization is all about creating an organic organization. The mechanistic organization was developed during the industrial era and highly inspired by ideas conceptualized by Scientific Management. This type of organization is best suited for an environment that is fairly easy to bring under control and that is stable. Its advantage lies in organizing huge volumes of standardized resources. The organic organization on the other hand is more suited to deal with rapidly changing conditions and unforeseen contingencies. The organic organization is also one way of trying to deal with classical organizational problems such as hierarchy, information, strategy, planning. The organic organization does not only represent a different organizational structure or a new organizational toolbox but more importantly a different way of thinking. The study develops its own view on organic organization. The study relies on a broad range of theories within social science. The project analys the Swedish National Emergency management system from the point of view of the mechanic/organic concept developed in the study. Lastly the study brings forward some ideas that could further a more organic emergency system.