From microbe to metaphor: virus-like problems in organizations
Date
2023-07-20
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Frontiers in Psychology
Abstract
Despite the important role of problem-solving in organizations, our understanding of the fundamental nature of problems is limited. To generate insights and discussion on this topic, we introduce the metaphor of a “virus-like” problem, which is a special kind of problem that often escapes the awareness of organizational leaders. Virus-like problems differ from other problems in organizations because, just like actual viruses, they are hidden, their source is difficult to identify, and they can quickly spread to others. Integrating the public health and organizational psychology fields, we draw lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and how it was (mis) managed by public officials to offer a new perspective on problems in organizations and offer practical ideas for how leaders can address virus-like problems of their own.
Description
This article was originally published in Frontiers in Psychology by Frontiers Media. The version of record is available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1193895. © 2023 Sleesman and Cronin.
Keywords
problem-solving, virus metaphor, public health, multidisciplinary, organizational leadership, COVID-19
Citation
Sleesman, Dustin J., and Cory E. Cronin. “From Microbe to Metaphor: Virus-like Problems in Organizations.” Frontiers in Psychology 14 (2023). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1193895.