How to organize in turbulence: Arrangements and pathways for robust governance

Abstract

Robustness has recently taken center stage as an emerging paradigm to cope with turbulence and “build back better” toward new normalcy. Existing literature has shown how robust governance, with its mix of flexible adaptation and proactive innovation, is well-suited to addressing turbulence. However, there remains a gap in understanding the empirical variations within robust governance arrangements. In this article, we address three questions: how (1) structures, (2) coordination mechanisms, and (3) leadership are designed and unfold in robust governance. Through a qualitative approach grounded in case studies, interviews, and archival data, we provide evidence from six Italian regions, examining how they addressed the challenges of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Results enable the formulation of propositions about organizational arrangements in robust governance, in addition to suggesting competing pathways for flexible adaptation and proactive innovation.