Title: Chapter 15 Competence for the Unforeseen
Description: "This study examines self-assessment of preparedness for unforeseen events
and how it varies between groups and individuals according to roles and functions
within an organization. The study has two objectives. The first is to analyse the relationship
between general self-efficacy, perceived competence in demanding situations and
social support, and based on this, to assess the efficiency of interaction (samhandling)
in organizations and preparedness for the unforeseen. The second aim is to examine
how these factors vary according to professional experience. A survey questionnaire
was completed during winter 2016/2017. All 624 respondents were male or female
employees of the Norwegian Armed Forces, based in different units, with different
levels of competence, and included commissioned and non-commissioned officers,
officer cadets and conscripts. The response rate was 77 percent, and a total of 810
personnel were approached. This study incorporates central concepts of individual
and social resources that could permit the prediction and understanding of resilient
behaviors in complex and demanding situations. Interaction was found to be the
most important predictor of preparedness for the unforeseen. This study also shows
that interaction combined with general self-efficacy and social support can account
for a considerable proportion of the variance in preparedness for the unforeseen. The
results indicate that it is possible to prepare for unforeseen events by implementing
measures that improve social factors in particular."
Subjects: Warfare & defence, Society & social sciences, Civil defence