Building sustainable and resilient human systems: Insights from the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical importance of building sustainable and resilient human systems capable of withstanding and adapting to unforeseen challenges. This special issue explores the multifaceted dimensions of organizational and societal resilience in the context of a global health crisis.
The papers presented in this collection offer diverse perspectives on the factors that contribute to human systems resilience. Domin and Miller highlight the ethical implications of emerging technologies, emphasizing the need for responsible innovation to build trust and public confidence. Altmann and Arnold demonstrate the importance of effective communication and collaboration in fostering resilience through virtual exchange.
The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies across various sectors. Sternat et al. and Ding and Wu explore the potential of blockchain and deep learning, respectively, to enhance data-driven decision-making and risk management. These technologies are essential for building resilient organizations capable of adapting to changing circumstances. The papers by Breece et al., Subramanian et al., and Bakracheva et al. examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals and organizations. These studies provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by employees, managers, and organizations in navigating the crisis and building resilience.
Luo’s research on public health talent development and Taganoviq et al.’s work on organizational readiness emphasize the importance of human capital in building resilient organizations. By investing in employee well-being, skills development, and organizational capabilities, organizations can enhance their ability to withstand future crises.
Collectively, these papers contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors that underpin organizational and societal resilience. By exploring the challenges and opportunities presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, this special issue offers valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers seeking to build more sustainable and resilient human systems.