Self-organization Power: Exploring the Synthesis Process of Self-Organization in Emergencies- A Qualitative Study Based on COVID-19 Epidemic Lockdown in China

Authors

Xueyan Dong, Northwestern Polytechnical UniversityFollow
Xuan Xiong, Northwestern Polytechnical UniversityFollow
Tienan Wang, Harbin Instutite of TechnologyFollow
Jingjing Ge, China Business Excecutives Academy, DalianFollow

Paper Number

1516

Abstract

This study examines how decentralized and spontaneous actions in online self-organization create value, which arise unintentionally from an orderly crisis management process. Drawing on qualitative data, we introduce IT affordance perspective to trace the complex and unique power trajectory of self-organizations in crisis management. We develop a process model of self-organization power that identifies the dynamics that precipitate and then catalyze that trajectory and highlight the underpinning mechanisms under the insights of creative synthesis perspective. By unpacking the complex power process of self-organization, we (1) extend existing understanding of self-organization, (2) enhance the theoretical direction and apply of IT affordance in organizational crisis management, (3) explore the power of self-organization in crisis management, and develop the influence mechanism model. We conclude by highlighting the implications for future research on self-organizations in emergencies.

Comments

Paper Number 1516

Recommended Citation

Dong, Xueyan; Xiong, Xuan; Wang, Tienan; and Ge, Jingjing, "Self-organization Power: Exploring the Synthesis Process of Self-Organization in Emergencies- A Qualitative Study Based on COVID-19 Epidemic Lockdown in China" (2022). PACIS 2022 Proceedings. 292.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/pacis2022/292