CIRG: A Conceptual Governance Model for Resilience and Cascading Effects in Critical Infrastructure
Purpose:
The purpoose of the paper is to develop a conceptual Critical Infrastructure Resilience Governance (CIRG) model linking interdependencies and cascading effects with organizational decision-making, response coordination, and recovery management during complex crises.
Design/Methods/Approach:
The paper is a conceptual theory-synthesis study based on a structured analytical review of literature on critical infrastructure, organizational resilience, crisis management, and interdependencies. Literature was identified through the Scopus and Web of Science databases and analyzed using comparative conceptual analysis.
Findings:
The CIRG model conceptualizes resilience as a multi-level governance process comprising identification of critical interdependencies, cascading-effect scenario development, response governance, and recovery coordination. The model also incorporates decision triggers and a learning loop that enable transitions between robustness-oriented and resilience-oriented modes of operation.
Research Limitations / Implications:
The model is conceptual and has not yet been empirically validated. Future research should develop operational indicators and test the model across different critical infrastructure sectors.
Practical Implications:
The model provides a governance framework for improving organizational decision-making, response coordination, and recovery management during cascading disruptions.
Originality/Value:
The paper proposes an original integrative governance framework linking systemic risk analysis with organizational crisis management mechanisms. The model provides value for researchers, critical infrastructure operators, policymakers, and practitioners involved in resilience governance.
UDC: 005.334
Keywords: critical infrastructure, resilience, robustness, cascading effects, interdependencies, crisis management