On connectedness
Connectedness in organizations encompasses formal structures, temporary emergency response structures, and informal networks. Recognizing these forms helps risk practitioners orient attention to threats and opportunities.
THE IDEA
On connectedness
Our human connectedness within organizations affects how we respond to uncertainty, change, and surprise. As risk practitioners, we must recognize the different kinds of connectedness that characterize organizations. Formal (day-to-day) organizational structures, (temporary) emergency response structures, and informal networks afford different ways of interacting, making sense and responding.
In working more intentionally with these forms of connectedness, we orient our collective attention to where threat and opportunity might arise.
When to use it
Conducting a risk assessment by mapping both formal reporting lines and informal influence networks.
Designing an incident response plan that integrates emergency response structures with day-to-day operations.
Facilitating a post-mortem analysis that examines how different forms of connectedness affected decision-making.
Enhancing organizational resilience by strengthening informal networks for knowledge sharing.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Emergency response in a crisis
During a natural disaster, a company's emergency response structure activates, connecting key personnel across departments. This temporary structure allows for rapid decision-making and resource allocation, reducing chaos and improving response time.
Informal network in product development
In a tech company, engineers often rely on informal networks (e.g., chat groups or hallway conversations) to get quick answers and share innovations. This connectedness complements the formal hierarchy and accelerates problem-solving.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
In your organization, which types of connectedness are most active during routine operations versus during a crisis?
How can you intentionally leverage informal networks to improve risk identification?
What barriers exist to effective connectedness across formal and emergency structures?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Cynefin - Weaving Sense-Making into the Fabric of Our World ED02 (Dave Snowden Sonja Blignaut Zhen Goh)