When Sensemaking Collapses

Question 1

Sensemaking Collapse

Answer 1

Breakdown in understanding during crisis when familiar cues and structures fail

Question 2

Mann Gulch Disaster

Answer 2

1949 wildfire where 13 smokejumpers died; key example of sensemaking collapse

Question 3

Weick’s Observation

Answer 3

Loss of leader, dropped tools, broken communication, inability to improvise

Question 4

Role Structure Disintegration

Answer 4

Unclear leadership and identity loss that prevents coordinated action

Question 5

Dropping Tools

Answer 5

Literal and metaphorical abandonment of expertise under stress

Question 6

Communication Breakdown

Answer 6

Inability to access distributed expertise; isolation of individuals

Question 7

Loss of Improvisation

Answer 7

Paralysis under extreme stress; failure to create new approaches

Question 8

Why Crisis Triggers Collapse

Answer 8

Unreliable cues, time pressure, high stakes, missing structures

Question 9

9/11 Sensemaking Challenges

Answer 9

Unprecedented events, overwhelmed communication, unclear authority

Question 10

Air Traffic Control on 9/11

Answer 10

Landed 4,546 planes in under 3 hours with zero accidents

Question 11

Diane Vaughan Finding #1

Answer 11

Strong professional culture & identity maintained sensemaking

Question 12

Diane Vaughan Finding #2

Answer 12

Well-rehearsed routines allowed effective improvisation

Question 13

Diane Vaughan Finding #3

Answer 13

Communication and coordination systems enabled distributed expertise

Question 14

Diane Vaughan Finding #4

Answer 14

Leadership provided clear structure and trusted expertise

Question 15

Collapse vs. Resilience

Answer 15

Mann Gulch collapsed; ATC succeeded due to infrastructure & training

Question 16

Learning Organization: Environment

Answer 16

Strong culture, psychological safety enable crisis response

Question 17

Learning Organization: Processes

Answer 17

Training, protocols, communication systems support coordination

Question 18

Learning Organization: Leadership

Answer 18

Clear authority and trust reinforce resilience under pressure

Question 19

Key Takeaway

Answer 19

Organizations fall to the level of their systems during crisis, not rise to the occasion

Question 20

Policy Implication

Answer 20

Crisis readiness requires pre-built collaboration and communication systems