Fighting to adapt: a study of the relationship between organizational culture and cognitive flexibility in Swedish army brigades
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: How does organizational culture influence cognitive flexibility among military units despite these units sharing similar sizes, resources, missions, and goals? While the ability to adapt to rapidly changing conditions is well-acknowledged, the influence of organizational culture on cognitive flexibility remains underexplored. This article bridges this gap through a comparative case study of the 4th and 19th Brigades of the Swedish Army. The findings reveal that organizational culture prescribes acceptable practices within military units, influencing training, exercises, and standing orders. This, in turn, hinders or promotes cognitive flexibility. In elucidating the relationship between organizational culture and cognitive flexibility, the study provides theoretical and empirical contributions to war studies. Furthermore, the study empowers military leaders with insights to transform their unit’s operational practices. Encouraging a culture of open-mindedness and integrating unscripted scenarios into training and exercise can bolster cognitive flexibility, thus fostering a more resilient armed force.
Source: Defence Studies
Author: Mathias Wallin
Institution: Swedish Defence University
Language: English
Subfield: Control and Systems Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4404853498