Tuesday, July 01, 2025

Decision-making and Effective Leadership

Image of four businesss people created by Co-pilot

Cognitive Barriers, Creativity, and Adaptability in Decision Making

by John Fisher (assisted by AI)

Decision-making is at the heart of effective leadership, yet it remains one of the most complex and high-stakes responsibilities faced by executives. While many organizations focus on refining decision-making processes, research shows that internal, cognitive factors often play a more significant role in shaping outcomes. Biases, emotional influences, and flawed mental models can subtly undermine even the most structured approaches. Drawing on insights from recent academic literature, this analysis explores three key internal barriers to sound decision-making, the role of creativity and improvisation in navigating uncertainty, and the importance of flexibility and adaptation in dynamic environments. Through real-world examples and scholarly perspectives, we’ll examine how leaders can better understand and manage the psychological dimensions of their decisions.

Three Barriers That Inhibit Good Decision-Making

Cognitive Biases
Cognitive biases are systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment. According to Berthet (2022), “overconfidence bias is the most frequently observed bias in professionals’ decision-making.” This can lead executives to overestimate their knowledge or underestimate risks.
Example: In the 2008 financial crisis, many banking executives overestimated the safety of mortgage-backed securities, leading to catastrophic losses.
Confirmation Bias
Decision-makers often seek out information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence. Berthet (2022) notes that this bias “can lead to poor diagnostic accuracy and suboptimal decisions.”
Example: A tech startup might continue investing in a failing product because leadership is emotionally invested in its success, ignoring market feedback.
Emotional and Reward-Based Influences
Rovelli and Allegretta (2023) highlight how emotional states and reward sensitivity can distort decision-making: “The interplay between executive functions and reward systems can lead to impulsive or short-sighted decisions, especially under stress.”
Example: A retail chain might slash prices impulsively during a downturn to boost short-term sales, harming long-term brand value.

How Creativity Aids Decision-Making

Creativity introduces novel perspectives and alternative solutions that might not emerge through analytical thinking alone. It helps break out of rigid mental models and encourages divergent thinking.

“Creative thinking allows decision-makers to reframe problems and generate innovative solutions, especially in complex or ambiguous situations” (Rovelli & Allegretta, 2023).

Example: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many restaurants creatively pivoted to meal kits and virtual cooking classes, turning a crisis into an opportunity.

Improvisation in Times of Uncertainty: Advantages and Risks

Improvisation can be a powerful tool when rapid decisions are needed, especially in volatile environments. It allows for flexibility, speed, and adaptation.

Advantages:

Enables quick responses to unexpected challenges.
Encourages experimentation and learning.

Risks:

May lead to inconsistent or poorly thought-out actions.
Can undermine long-term strategy if overused.

“Improvisation, while adaptive, can bypass critical executive functions, increasing susceptibility to biases and emotional decision-making” (Rovelli & Allegretta, 2023).

Example: Elon Musk’s rapid decision-making at Tesla has led to both groundbreaking innovations and public controversies—highlighting both the power and peril of improvisation.

Flexibility and Adaptation: A Real-World Critique

Defending Flexibility:
Netflix is a prime example of successful adaptation. Originally a DVD rental service, it pivoted to streaming and then to content creation. This flexibility allowed it to stay ahead of competitors and reshape the entertainment industry.

Critique:
However, constant adaptation without a clear vision can dilute brand identity. For instance, Yahoo’s frequent strategic shifts in the 2000s—acquiring and abandoning various services—led to a loss of focus and eventual decline.

“Flexibility must be guided by strategic coherence; otherwise, it risks becoming reactive rather than proactive” (Berthet, 2022).

Conclusion

Good decision-making requires more than just a sound process—it demands awareness of internal cognitive barriers, openness to creativity, and a balanced approach to improvisation and flexibility. By understanding and addressing these internal challenges, leaders can make more informed, resilient, and innovative decisions.

References:

Berthet, V. (2022). The impact of cognitive biases on professionals’ decision-making: A review of four occupational areas. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, Article 802439. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.802439
Read online
Rovelli, K., & Allegretta, R. (2023). Framing decision-making: The role of executive functions, cognitive bias and reward. Neuropsychological Trends, 34, 5–18. https://doi.org/10.7358/neur-2023-034-rove
Access via APA PsycNet

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Leadership and Management

Distinguishing Leadership from Management: Insights from Situational, Transformational, and Transactional Theories

Introduction:

Leadership and management are often used interchangeably, yet they embody distinct principles and approaches. In his influential article, “Situational, Transformational, and Transactional Leadership and Leadership Development,” Jim Allen McCleskey explores three foundational leadership theories that help clarify this distinction. Situational and transactional leadership align more closely with traditional management, focusing on structure, control, and task completion. In contrast, transformational leadership reflects the essence of true leadership—2. Transformational Leadership (TL)

• Focus: Inspires followers through idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration.

• Leadership Principle: True leaders elevate others to higher levels of moral and personal development.

• Criticisms: Overlapping components; underdeveloped situational variables.

• Leadership Role: Visionary leader — encourages growth, creativity, and values-driven action.

3. Transactional Leadership

• Focus: Leader-follower exchange — rewards for performance, corrective feedback for deviation.

• Management Principle: Stability, consistency, and structured rewards produce results.

• Criticisms: Can result in shallow, short-term relationships and lacks context sensitivity.

• Leadership Role: Manager — ensures performance through agreements and supervision.

Key Principles of Success from Each Model

Theory	Success Principle
Situational	Success comes from correctly reading the situation and adjusting leadership behavior.
Transformational	Success is achieved by elevating others’ motivations and aligning personal values with organizational vision.
Transactional	Success is achieved through clear expectations, performance monitoring, and consistent reward structures.

Development Implications

• Leadership development under TL requires deep, identity-based transformation focused on self-concept, values, and moral reasoning.

• Management development under transactional and situational frameworks relies more on training in task delegation, communication, and feedback methods.

• TL demands educational and moral development, while SLT and transactional styles require skills training and experience-based learning.

Conclusion

McCleskey’s article makes it clear that leadership and management are not mutually exclusive but exist along a continuum. Transactional and situational models align more with traditional management—emphasizing structure, behavior, and tasks. Transformational leadership represents a more advanced leadership paradigm, focused on vision, influence, and human development.

To succeed, organizations must:

• Use situational and transactional leadership to manage stability and performance.

• Invest in transformational leadership to foster innovation, morale, and long-term success.

Reference

McCleskey, J. A. (2014). Situational, transformational, and transactional leadership and leadership development. Journal of Business Studies Quarterly, 5(4), 117–130. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272353199

Keywords:

leadership theories, transformational leadership, situational leadership, transactional leadership, leadership development

Hashtags:

#LeadershipVsManagement #TransformationalLeadership #SituationalLeadership #TransactionalLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment

Servant Leadership

Summary: Leadership vs. Management and Success Principles in Servant Leadership

Based on: Parris, D. L., & Peachey, J. W. (2013). A systematic literature review of servant leadership theory in organizational contexts. Journal of Business Ethics, 113(3), 377–393. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-012-1322-6

Distinction Between Leadership and Management

Parris and Peachey’s (2013) systematic literature review makes a clear conceptual distinction between leadership and management, particularly through the lens of servant leadership theory:

Management	Leadership (Servant Leadership Emphasis)
Focuses on authority from position	Focuses on influence from character and service
Oriented toward control, order, and task execution	Oriented toward empowerment, service, and shared vision
Often emphasizes efficiency and outcomes	Prioritizes ethical conduct, people development, and values
Concerned with “doing things right”	Concerned with “doing the right thing” for others

Whereas managers function within formal structures to coordinate resources and achieve goals, servant leaders begin with the desire to serve, making leadership an ethical, relational, and value-driven process. The leader’s role is not just to direct but to elevate followers—helping them grow, thrive, and, ideally, become servant leaders themselves.

Key Principles of Success in Leadership and Management

The article identifies success principles linked to both leadership and management, particularly through the empirical validation of servant leadership theory:

1. Service-First Orientation

• True leadership begins with the desire to serve others, not to command.

• Success is measured by follower growth, well-being, and empowerment.

2. Organizational Effectiveness

• Servant leadership positively correlates with:

• Trust in leadership

• Team effectiveness

• Organizational citizenship behaviors

• Lower turnover

• Employee satisfaction and well-being

3. Values-Based Attributes

Empirical studies support servant leadership traits such as:

• Listening

• Empathy

• Stewardship

• Empowerment

• Building community

These traits reinforce long-term organizational health and employee loyalty.

4. Cross-Cultural Relevance

• Servant leadership is effective across cultures, though its components may be interpreted differently based on local values.

• For example, “vision” may be more central in one culture, while “moral responsibility” or “authenticity” may dominate in another.

5. Team and Follower-Centric Results

• Leadership practices focused on serving others foster:

• Positive work climate

• Greater creativity

• Higher commitment

• Increased collaboration

This highlights that servant leadership succeeds not just through strategy, but through strengthening human relationships.

6. Ongoing Challenges and Future Directions

• A key management challenge remains: lack of consensus on how to define and measure servant leadership.

• While numerous frameworks exist (e.g., Greenleaf, Spears, Laub), empirical clarity and standardization are still evolving.

Conclusion

This systematic review affirms that leadership rooted in service and ethics is not only philosophically compelling but also practically effective. While managers are essential for systems and process execution, leaders—especially servant leaders—are essential for fostering vision, trust, and sustainable organizational growth.

Empirical evidence suggests that servant leadership enhances both individual well-being and organizational outcomes across diverse settings and cultures. As such, it is both a moral imperative and a strategic asset in 21st-century leadership.

Reference (APA 7th Edition):

Parris, D. L., & Peachey, J. W. (2013). A systematic literature review of servant leadership theory in organizational contexts. Journal of Business Ethics, 113(3), 377–393. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-012-1322-6

Keywords: servant leadership, leadership vs. management, organizational effectiveness, employee well-being, ethical leadership

Hashtags: #ServantLeadership #LeadershipMatters #OrganizationalSuccess #EthicalLeadership #EmployeeEngagement

Management, Leadership and Leadership Styles

Summary: Leadership vs. Management and Keys to Organizational Success

Based on: David McEntire’s “Management, Leadership and Leadership Styles” (2023)

Watch the video

Distinction Between Leaders and Managers

David McEntire explores the differences between managers and leaders, emphasizing that while both roles are essential, they serve different purposes within an organization:

Managers	Leaders
Focus on counting things (e.g., employees, output, profit)	Focus on counting value and impact
Influence those who report to them	Inspire broader groups, regardless of direct authority
Control processes and ensure order	Motivate others toward a shared vision
Rely on authority from a formal position	Build trust and develop power through influence
Short-term, task-focused	Long-term, visionary and change-oriented
Accept and manage the status quo	Challenge and transform it
Excel at processes and systems	Excel at people and relationships

McEntire underscores that excellent leaders often incorporate management skills, and effective managers can demonstrate leadership—yet the mindset and goals diverge significantly.

Key Principles of Leadership Success

McEntire introduces four leadership styles, each suited to different contexts, with examples and pros/cons:

1. Transactional Leadership

• Core Idea: Clear expectations tied to rewards or punishments.

• Strength: Provides structure, clarity, and measurable goals.

• Limitation: Stifles creativity and relies on extrinsic motivation.

• Best for: Stable environments with clear outcomes.

2. Situational Leadership

• Core Idea: Adapt style based on employee needs and circumstances.

• Strength: Flexible and responsive.

• Limitation: Can cause confusion if approaches shift too frequently.

• Best for: Complex or changing environments requiring empathy and awareness.

3. Transformative Leadership

• Core Idea: Inspire innovation and long-term change through vision and collaboration.

• Strength: Encourages intrinsic motivation and high-level engagement.

• Limitation: Risk of burnout from constant change.

• Best for: Organizations seeking cultural or strategic transformation.

4. Servant Leadership

• Core Idea: Prioritize the needs and development of employees.

• Strength: Builds trust, buy-in, and a positive work culture.

• Limitation: Can cause mission drift if employee comfort outweighs organizational goals.

• Best for: Environments needing morale boosts and stronger interpersonal bonds.

Real-World Application

McEntire shares personal examples from his time as a college dean:

• When dealing with a struggling aviation department, he used situational leadership to rebuild trust and culture.

• To retain flight instructors, he implemented a transformational strategy involving performance-based bonuses.

• He applied servant leadership by redesigning a hangar workspace for efficiency and employee comfort.

• Over time, with systems in place, he shifted to transactional leadership to reward outcomes and enforce standards.

Conclusion

McEntire concludes that successful leaders must:

• Recognize when to lead and when to manage,

• Select the right leadership style for the context,

• Balance vision with practicality,

• Empower others while maintaining accountability.

Effective leadership is not rigid—it is adaptive, empathetic, and strategic.

Keywords: leadership styles, leadership vs. management, organizational behavior, situational leadership, transformational leadership

Hashtags: #LeadershipMatters #ManagementSkills #TransformativeLeadership #OrganizationalSuccess #ServantLeadership

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Apps for Emergency Preparedness and Response

By John Fisher (assisted by AI)

Introduction

Emergency preparedness and response applications are crucial digital tools designed to assist individuals, communities, and organizations before, during, and after emergencies. By enhancing situational awareness, streamlining communication, and providing access to critical information, these apps help a diverse group of users - from everyday citizens to first responders and healthcare professionals - manage crises more effectively. As technology continues to evolve, the integration of mobile apps into emergency management strategies has become a critical component of resilience and recovery efforts (Rodríguez, Donner, & Trainor, 2018).

Applications for Different Users

General Public: Individuals and families seeking to stay informed and prepared can use apps like the FEMA App, which provides weather alerts, safety tips, and emergency kit tools (FEMA, n.d.). Similarly, the American Red Cross appsoffer real-time alerts and preparedness information for specific emergencies, while the Ready.gov App helps users create emergency plans and build kits (American Red Cross, n.d.; Ready.gov, n.d.). The Disaster Alert app enhances global hazard monitoring, giving everyday users immediate access to threat information (Pacific Disaster Center, n.d.).

First Responders: Firefighters, police officers, and paramedics depend on specialized applications such as the NIMS ICS Guide to support Incident Command operations (Informed Publishing, n.d.). iAlertz provides real-time notifications for users in New York, and ERG2020 delivers critical hazardous material information for responders in transit (U.S. Department of Transportation, 2020).

Emergency Managers: Professionals at all levels of government utilize applications like the NIMS ICS Guide for operational structure and coordination. Tools such as Disaster Alert also help emergency managers monitor threats globally and disseminate alerts efficiently (Pacific Disaster Center, n.d.).

Healthcare Professionals: For doctors, nurses, and hospital staff, the Pocket First Aid & CPR app provides essential medical guidelines, while HealthMap: Outbreaks Near Me tracks local disease outbreaks, allowing quick preventative action (American Heart Association, n.d.; HealthMap, n.d.). The PFA Mobile app supports field interventions with Psychological First Aid tools, helping healthcare providers address trauma effectively (National Center for PTSD, n.d.).

Volunteers: Volunteer groups use tools like the American Red Cross apps to coordinate tasks and receive real-time updates during emergencies. Apps like PFA Mobile offer mental health support resources crucial for volunteers working in high-stress environments (National Center for PTSD, n.d.).

Organizations and Businesses: Companies focused on business continuity benefit from apps like the FEMA App and Ready.gov App to develop emergency plans and communicate with employees. Asset tracking and operational continuity are facilitated through emergency management-focused applications such as iAlertz.

Conclusion

Emergency preparedness and response applications have become indispensable tools for a wide range of users, from individual citizens to professional responders and healthcare providers. These apps ensure that critical information, resources, and communication channels are readily available, significantly improving preparedness and response efforts. As emergencies become more complex and technology advances, the role of mobile applications in saving lives and protecting communities will only continue to grow. Investing in the continued development and promotion of these tools is a key strategy for building resilient communities (Bumgarner, 2008; Van de Walle, Turoff, & Hiltz, 2010).

Keywords: emergency preparedness, mobile applications, disaster response, emergency management, situational awareness

Hashtags: #EmergencyPreparedness #DisasterResponse #MobileApps #CrisisManagement #ResilientCommunities

References

American Heart Association. (n.d.). Pocket First Aid & CPR. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org

American Red Cross. (n.d.). Mobile Apps. Retrieved from https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/mobile-apps.html

Bumgarner, J. B. (2008). Emergency Management: A Reference Handbook. ABC-CLIO.

FEMA. (n.d.). FEMA App. Retrieved from https://www.fema.gov/mobile-app

HealthMap. (n.d.). Outbreaks Near Me. Retrieved from https://healthmap.org/outbreaksnearme

Informed Publishing. (n.d.). NIMS ICS Guide. Retrieved from https://informedguides.com/nims-ics-guide

National Center for PTSD. (n.d.). PFA Mobile. Retrieved from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/pfa_app.asp

NIOSH. (n.d.). NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/

Pacific Disaster Center. (n.d.). Disaster Alert. Retrieved from https://www.pdc.org/disaster-alert-app/

Ready.gov. (n.d.). Make a Plan. Retrieved from https://www.ready.gov/plan

Rodríguez, H., Donner, W., & Trainor, J. E. (Eds.). (2018). Handbook of Disaster Research. Springer.

SAMHSA. (n.d.). Behavioral Health Disaster Response App. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/dtac/dbhis-collections/behavioral-health-disaster-response-app

U.S. Department of Transportation. (2020). ERG2020 - Emergency Response Guidebook. Retrieved from https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/erg/emergency-response-guidebook-erg

Van de Walle, B. A., Turoff, M., & Hiltz, S. R. (Eds.). (2010). Information Systems for Emergency Management. M.E. Sharpe.

Emergency apps

Emergency preparedness and response applications are digital tools designed to assist individuals, communities, and organizations in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from various types of emergencies. These applications aim to enhance situational awareness, improve communication, provide access to critical information, and streamline response efforts.

Target Users

These applications are designed for a wide range of users, including:

General Public: Individuals and families can use these apps to receive alerts, access preparedness guides, create emergency plans, locate shelters, and communicate with loved ones during a crisis.
First Responders: Firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other emergency personnel rely on these apps for real-time information, dispatch instructions, mapping, communication, and coordination during emergency operations.
Emergency Managers: Professionals at local, state, and federal levels use these applications for planning, coordinating resources, disseminating information, and managing response and recovery efforts.
Healthcare Professionals: Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff utilize these tools for patient tracking, resource management, communication, and accessing medical guidelines during emergencies and disasters.
Volunteers: Individuals and groups volunteering in emergency situations can use these apps for coordination, task management, and receiving important updates and instructions.
Organizations and Businesses: Companies and institutions use these applications for business continuity planning, employee communication, asset tracking, and managing emergency procedures.

Examples and Names of Apps

Here are some examples of emergency preparedness and response applications, categorized by their primary function:

For General Preparedness and Information:

FEMA App (Federal Emergency Management Agency): Provides weather alerts, safety tips, information on how to apply for assistance, and a tool to build an emergency kit (FEMA, n.d.). Available on Android, iOS, and Blackberry.
American Red Cross Apps (various): A suite of apps covering specific emergencies like First Aid, Pet First Aid, Hurricane, Tornado, Earthquake, and Wildfire. These offer preparedness information, real-time alerts, and safety tips (American Red Cross, n.d.). Available on Android and iOS.
Ready.gov App: Offers information on various disasters, how to make a plan, build a kit, and stay informed (Ready.gov, n.d.).
Disaster Alert (Pacific Disaster Center): Provides global hazard monitoring and alerts for various types of disasters (Pacific Disaster Center, n.d.). Available on Android and iOS.

For First Responders and Emergency Management:

NIMS ICS Guide (Informed Publishing): A guide for responders working in Emergency Operation and Incident Command Centers, providing information on the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) (Informed Publishing, n.d.). Available on Android and iOS.
iAlertz: For iOS users in New York, providing notifications about current alerts and nearby emergency services. It also allows authorized notifiers to create and distribute alerts (iAlertz, n.d.). Available on iOS.
ERG2020 (U.S. Department of Transportation): A mobile version of the Emergency Response Guidebook, providing information about hazardous materials for first responders (U.S. Department of Transportation, 2020).
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health): Allows responders to access a database of workplace chemicals and their hazards (NIOSH, n.d.).

For Health and Medical Support:

Pocket First Aid & CPR (American Heart Association): Provides step-by-step information on CPR and basic first aid. It also allows users to store medical information and emergency contacts (American Heart Association, n.d.). Available on Android and iOS.
HealthMap: Outbreaks Near Me: Provides information about disease and health outbreaks in local areas and can send alerts when an outbreak occurs (HealthMap, n.d.). Available on Android and iOS.
PFA Mobile (National Center for PTSD, National Child Traumatic Stress Network, DoD's National Center for Telehealth and Technology): Offers interventions, tips, and resources for those using Psychological First Aid in the field (National Center for PTSD, n.d.). Available on Android and iOS.
SAMHSA Behavioral Health Disaster Response App (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration): Provides behavioral health responders with resources for pre-deployment preparation, on-the-ground assistance, and post-deployment support (SAMHSA, n.d.). Available on Android and iOS.

Academic References

While specific academic papers focusing solely on applications for emergency preparedness and response might be limited, the broader field of emergency management and the use of technology within it is well-documented. Here are some general academic resources and how they relate to the topic:

Bumgarner, J. B. (2008). Emergency Management: A Reference Handbook. ABC-CLIO. This handbook provides a broad overview of emergency management principles, practices, and the role of technology in enhancing preparedness and response. While it may not focus solely on apps, it establishes the context for their importance.
Rodríguez, H., Donner, W., & Trainor, J. E. (Eds.). (2018). Handbook of Disaster Research. Springer. This comprehensive handbook covers various aspects of disaster research, including the use of information and communication technologies in disaster contexts. Chapters within this book may discuss the impact and potential of mobile applications in different phases of emergency management.
Van de Walle, B. A., Turoff, M., & Hiltz, S. R. (Eds.). (2010). Information Systems for Emergency Management. M.E. Sharpe. This book explores the role of information systems in emergency management, which includes the development and use of applications for various purposes, such as communication, coordination, and information dissemination.

Website Addresses for Potential Academic Resources:

PubMed Central (PMC): $(h ttp s : // www . n c bi . n l m . nih . g o v / p m c /)$ - A free archive of biomedical and life sciences literature, where research on technology in disaster response and public health emergencies can be found.
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness $(h ttp s : // www . c amb r i d g e . or g / core / j o u r na l s / d i s a s t er - m e d i c in e - an d - p u b l i c - h e a lt h - p re p a re d n ess)$ - A journal publishing research and practical guidance on disaster medicine and public health preparedness.
International Journal of Information Management: $(h ttp s : // www . g oo g l e . co m / se a rc h ? q = h ttp s : // www . j o u r na l s . e l se v i er . co m / in t er na t i o na l - j o u r na l - o f - in f or ma t i o n - mana g e m e n t)$ - This journal occasionally features articles on the use of information technology in crisis management and emergency response.
Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management: $(h ttp s : // o n l in e l ib r a ry . w i l ey . co m / j o u r na l /14685973)$ - This journal publishes research on various aspects of crisis management, including the role of technology.

Google. (2025). Gemini (2.0 Flash) [Large language model].

https://gemini.google.com/

(Accessed April 24, 2025).