Listening to experts is not always wise: Unravelling the dynamics of decision-making in the crisis cell

Abstract

The study challenges the conventional belief that expertise enhances crisis decision-making. Analyzing crisis simulations, it reveals that crisis cells with minimal expertise achieved a commendable 69% decision quality, surpassing those with specialists. The research underscores the importance of collective intelligence and adherence to fundamental ‘metarules’ in decision-making, irrespective of expertise. It questions the presumed benefits of expertise, suggesting that excessive reliance on experts may hinder information processing and flexibility during crises. The findings advocate for a reconsideration of the role of expertise in crisis management, emphasizing the significance of collective decision-making and adherence to metarules. The study calls for further exploration of expert leaders' potential influence within crisis cells.