Wicked Crises and the (In)capacity to Act

Renate E. Meyer examines the growing complexity of today’s wicked crises, which are interconnected, multi-scalar disruptions such as climate change, forced displacement, and cyber insecurity. These crises defy traditional models and demand collective action. Meyer identifies two interrelated forces that undermine this capacity: organizational fragmentation, which complicates governance and coordination; and societal fragmentation, marked by polarization, mistrust in institutions, and the erosion of shared realities. The article calls on organization and management scholars to rethink crisis frameworks and contribute to understanding how pluralistic societies can respond effectively without resorting to centralized or authoritarian solutions.