Why some leadership teams act in crisis—while others freeze

How do leadership teams respond when faced with extreme crisis—and what determines whether they act or become paralysed?

A new article in Chefstidningen (in Swedish) highlights research by MMTC member Timur Uman exploring how leadership teams function under severe pressure. Drawing on empirical studies from war-affected regions in Ukraine and Israel, the research provides unique insights into organisational resilience in life-and-death situations.

The findings challenge the assumption that the severity of a crisis determines how organisations respond. Instead, the research shows that preparedness—particularly through prior training and simulation—plays a decisive role.

In Ukraine, leadership teams were largely unprepared for the sudden escalation of war in February 2022. Many initially experienced shock and struggled to act. However, over time, they adapted, developed new ways of working, and aligned around shared goals.

In contrast, leadership teams in Israeli kibbutz-owned companies demonstrated rapid coordination and decision-making, despite facing equally—if not more—extreme conditions. Their ability to respond quickly is linked to a broader societal culture of preparedness, including mandatory service and frequent crisis simulations.

The research points to important implications for organisations in Sweden and beyond. According to Uman, many leadership teams would benefit from engaging more actively in crisis simulations and preparing for complex ethical dilemmas that may arise in extreme situations.

These insights align closely with MMTC’s research focus on management control, organisational resilience, and decision-making in uncertain environments. Understanding how structures, practices, and preparedness shape organisational responses is central to developing more robust and adaptive organisations.

The ongoing study also highlights the value of international knowledge exchange. Learning from contexts where crisis preparedness is embedded in everyday life—such as Ukraine, Israel, and the Baltic states—can provide valuable perspectives for strengthening organisational resilience.