Episode 9 of 25: Krisehåndtering: Individual Prerequisites for Crisis Management – Personality, Cognition, and Stress

In this episode, we explore Chapter 9 of the anthology Crisis Management edited by Tore Hafting (2017), written by Stig Holen and Bjørn T. Bakken. This chapter examines how individual psychological factors influence crisis decision-making, especially under stress and time pressure. It introduces concepts such as cognitive style, personality traits, stress responses, and decision-making performance based on empirical research and theoretical models.

We discuss:

• Who makes crisis decisions? – The reality that many decision-makers in crises are not specially trained but are expected to act based on their ordinary leadership roles.

• Cognitive styles: Analytical vs. intuitive thinking and how each influences decision-making under pressure.

• The dual-process theory of decision-making: Combining intuition (fast, emotional) and analysis (slow, logical) for optimal crisis performance.

• Recognition-Primed Decision (RPD) Model: How experienced individuals quickly recognize effective solutions based on past patterns.

• The role of personality (Big Five model): How traits such as conscientiousness, openness, and emotional stability influence performance before, during, and after crises.

• Stress and crisis performance: Types of stress (acute, chronic, traumatic), their effects on cognition, and how personality and coping strategies moderate outcomes.

• Empirical studies: Simulated crisis experiments showing that individuals with a high degree of both intuitive and analytical thinking perform better.

• Cognitive versatility: The ability to switch between thinking styles may be more valuable than relying solely on one.

• Practical implications: How understanding individual differences can inform selection, training, and support of personnel in high-stakes roles.

This episode highlights that crisis management is not only about systems and procedures—it also depends on who is making the decisions, their mental habits, personality traits, and ability to handle stress.

Disclaimer:
This podcast is an independent, AI-generated educational resource and is not affiliated with or officially endorsed by Stig Holen, Bjørn T. Bakken, Tore Hafting, or Vigmostad & Bjørke. While we strive to present accurate information, we do not take responsibility for any errors, omissions, or misinterpretations. Listeners are encouraged to refer to the original book "Crisis Management" for a comprehensive understanding.

Source:
Hafting, T. (ed.) (2017). Crisis Management. Vigmostad & Bjørke AS.