Collaboration Exercises—The Lack of Collaborative Benefits

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to analyze what professional emergency personnel learn during collaboration exercises and the benefits of what they have learned. Observations (n = 19) and semistructured interviews (n = 32) were carried out in conjunction with major exercises held in Sweden (2007–2012). The results show that exercises tend to be based on their own logic, which differs from actual events. Exercise participants believe that they mainly learn single-track, parallel, and path-dependent behavior. The exercises do not facilitate the use of cross-boundary activities. This means that learning, as well as benefits from the exercises for actual events, is limited. The exercises would be more appropriate if those participating had the opportunity to identify weaknesses, try alternative ways, and engage in comprehensive organizational analyses at the conclusion of the exercises. Based on the results of the study, alternative models for collaboration exercises are suggested, with elements that would better develop collaboration and contribute to learning.