ESCP Europe

Amy L. Fraher examines why organizations and their leaders often fail to recognize, prevent, or respond effectively to crises. Drawing on systems psychodynamics, leadership studies, communication, and crisis and change management, the book argues that crises should not be treated as exceptional events but as potential by-products of organizational change. Through international case studies, Fraher explores failures ranging from ethical problems in Silicon Valley companies to the 2008 financial crisis, policy failures, social crises, and natural disasters. She shows how ambiguity, unconscious dynamics, group behaviour, and difficult decision-making can increase organizational vulnerability. Combining theoretical analysis with practical insights, the book offers a framework for understanding crisis development and emphasizes proactive leadership and change management as essential to building resilient organizations.