Social psychological aspects of inter-organizational collaboration in a total defense context: a literature review

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to systematically review the extant research on social psychological aspects of civil-military inter-organizational collaboration, particularly in a total defense context. Design/methodology/approach A systematic scoping studies review was performed. Peer-reviewed articles were searched in PsycInfo and Sociological Abstracts. Inclusion criteria were met by 25 articles. Findings Four higher-order categories with underpinning categories were derived in the analysis. They were modeled as follows: antecedent conditions affect, informal processes and practical efforts, which, in turn, affect inter-organizational trust and collaboration. These higher-order categories are all influenced by formal organizational aspects and the society in which they are found. Research limitations/implications The existing literature covering the chosen study focus is limited. Further studies are needed and the presented model can serve as a road map. Practical implications A series of questions derived from the categories of the model is presented. The questions are included as a tool for practical reflection for collaborating actors in common education, training or exercise settings or in after-action reviews. Originality/value The focus on social psychological aspects of civil-military inter-organizational collaboration, particularly in a total defense context, is new. The suggested relationship between superior themes adds knowledge to a research field dominated by sociological and political science approaches.

Good Practices in Inter-Institutional Collaboration in Managing the Migrant Crisis

“…Increasingly, the literature analyses the potential of collaboration between civilian public sector institutions and national defence institutions (particularly the military) in managing a wide range of crises, from peacetime events to political security crises or armed conflicts. Research on such collaboration includes issues concerning the challenges posed by propaganda and information warfare (Atmante, 2020), the management of pandemics and other emergencies (Larsson et al, 2021), border security (Bollen & Kalkman, 2022), and a wide range of hybrid or asymmetric threats and joint deterrence strategies (Atmante, 2020).…”

“…Focusing on inter-institutional aspects of crisis management can make an important contribution to an under-researched area (Larsson et al, 2021). However, to properly assess the lessons learnt and answer the key analytical question 'how?…”

“…Inter-institutional collaboration has been identified in academic debates as one of the essential tools for managing difficult-to-predict problems and crises (Wilkins et al, 2015; Smucker & Nijbroek, 2020; Persson & Granberg, 2020; Markopoulos et al, 2021) and thus, to ensure the security of the state and its citizens (Swann, 2019;Fobbe, 2020;Berzina, 2020;Larsson et al, 2021). Interinstitutional collaboration enables risk sharing, exchange of information, knowledge and other resources, joint coordination of activities, decision-making, and successful implementation (Danzig et al, 2018;Giedraitytė, 2022).…”

Rethinking Civil-Military Collaboration: A Relational Practice Approach to Total Defense in Sweden

“…Civil-military collaboration, or what is commonly referred to as cooperation, has instead been covered extensively in the context of international missions such as peace operations and military interventions (Larsson et al 2021). The so-called comprehensive approach, which involves a focus on civil-military cooperation (CIMIC), has long been adopted by the UN and NATO, among others, to align military and civilian goals in international missions (Brocades Zaalberg 2018;Franke 2006).…”

“…To date, however, both theoretical development and empirical research on the underlying relational dynamics of civil-military collaboration in total defense have been limited (e.g. Larsson et al 2021). 9 Thus far, studies on total defense have often failed to problematize the meaning of civil-military collaboration and/or align the prerequisites for it with formal organization.…”