Draft:Megaproject Psychosis

Megaproject Psychosis is a hypothetical concept that examines the psychological and organizational dynamics that emerge during the management of extremely large and complex projects. This concept suggests that the unique pressures and challenges inherent in megaprojects can lead to distinct patterns of behavior among project stakeholders. These behaviors may include over-optimism, denial of risks, and a tendency to escalate commitment to failing strategies.

Cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, anchoring, and the planning fallacy, can be significantly enhanced or magnified in this context. These biases influence decision-making processes and can lead to the upward reporting of selective information, where only positive progress is highlighted while potential issues are downplayed or ignored.

Stakeholder influence, communication breakdowns, and organizational culture also play critical roles in the development of Megaproject Psychosis. Different stakeholders can exert pressure on project managers, leading to stress and decision-making that prioritizes short-term gains over long-term success. Communication issues, such as misalignment between teams or departments, can exacerbate the effects, while the organizational culture can either mitigate or amplify the symptoms.

The recognition and “diagnosis” of Megaproject Psychosis involves identifying these behavioral patterns and understanding their impact on project delivery, such as delays, cost overruns, and compromised project outcomes. Mitigation strategies include implementing robust risk management practices, fostering a culture of openness, and ensuring regular and independent audits of project progress.

Megaproject Psychosis is a term coined by Carl Gomersall as part of his Knowledge Management Innovation Management PhD. Megaproject Psychosis forms a part of the Global Index Value Ecosystem (GIVE) a superior alternative to ESG and Sustainability, providing a comprehensive and fair appraisal and assessment of megaprojects. GIVE moves away from the binary of success-failure to a global value scale. A scale that considers all costs and contributions throughout the whole life of the megaproject. GIVE provides a perspective on the multifaceted influence of megaprojects and how these projects have economic and social reach beyond their immediate scope.

References

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Carl Gomersall KIM PhD "KIM Linking Systems Thinking". This thesis explores the knowledge and innovation management interplays in megaprojects and redefines the interpretation and understanding of megaprojects. The integration of Knowledge Innovation Management (KIM) principles with systems thinking approaches, a methodology where knowledge management and innovation are linked through a holistic view of systems, merging the interrelationships and dynamics within organisational contexts to enhance performance through strategic knowledge and systems-based thinking.