Tactics, command, leadership

We talk of cognitive systems that constitute both people and

machines. Cognitive systems work by using knowledge of the sys-

tem itself and its working environment in the planning and modi-

fication of the activities that are carried out (Hollnagel et al. 1983).

This cognitive system is also an adaptive system, i.e. a system that

adapts itself, to an extent automatic ally, to its surroundings.

Change condition

It must also be possible to influence the status or condition of the

system; there must be a change condition. The use of resources, me-

asures or combinations of measures is fundamental to this condi-

tion in all the decision domains. Consequently knowledge of the ca-

pacity of resources and the effects of different measures and tactical

patterns is important with regard to the influence condition. The

inbuilt dynamics of the system can cause changes to occur quickly

or slowly, either as a result of applied measures, tactical patterns or

of their own accord. Emergency preparedness production is here a

way to actively and at an early stage influence the status of the sys-

tem. Maintaining a certain level of preparedness makes it possible

to meet the risk situation, and emergency preparedness production

includes a plan for meeting the risks. When an incident occurs and

an assistance need arises that leads to an emergency response ope-

ration, the plan is put into action. From being a plan, then, with –

control through feedforward – the system becomes a system with

control through feedback (Brehmer, 2000). This happens when the

flow of information increases and several (relevant) signals are re-

ceived from the system, i.e. when the observation condition, to a

greater or lesser degree, begins to be met.

In some cases the information from the system is insigni­

ficant or even non­existent. Control must then be applied

through feedforward. In order to influence the response opera-

tion at as early a stage as possible it is necessary in some in stances

Control via
feedforward; to act as
planned or via
feedback; to act on the
basis of the situation,
free from Brehmer
(2000).