2. Open communication and collaboration
Return to June 2021 update
Length: 4 min read; 844 words.
Note: The following paragraphs summarize the category of Open communication and collaboration observed in June. More information about the specific category from June (and previous months) can be found in the downloaded report(s).The number in square brackets (e.g., [X]) refers to a reference where the reader can find more information about a specific statement. The references can be found in the References list below, on the Systematized References page or in the downloaded report.
The trend we suggested in May ‘20 that the industry accepted open communication and collaboration as a new normal was barely visible in December ‘20 and disappeared by June ‘21. We estimate that the industry is communicating and collaborating in June ‘21 as openly as in March ‘21 (10% representativeness in the selected references). The industry’s operations returned to pre-pandemic business-as-usual already in March. The businesses have learned to take advantage of the situation (“silver lining”). Practitioners are cautious and protective of their businesses, due to continuous challenges, such as supply chain delays, high cost of raw material and labor shortage, issues with contracting and potential litigations. The number of mentions of open communication and collaboration continues to decline (1.8% in June vs. 2.3% in March).
ThinkLab research suggests that these challenging times have fostered not just creativity but a new level of connection across the industry. New partnerships have been forged that leverage design talent in new ways, connect disparate points of view to develop meaningful thought leadership, and extend beyond our traditional resources to hire social scientists, HR expertise, and others. This showcases the value in teamwork as the industry has come together for a common goal—not only to survive but also to address some of the pressing social issues that our slowdown has allowed us to focus on, collectively. Sam Aquillano, founder of Design Museum Everywhere: “I think COVID-19 has shown us massive collaboration is possible, but there are many barriers to overcome, namely racism, classism, ableism, and more. There are major problems affecting so many in our world, but not everyone. Will we take the kind of collective action we’ve taken to combat COVID-19? I hope so.” Competitors have crossed the lines that separate them in an effort to work toward a shared, altruistic vision. Holly Fraser, editor in chief at WeTransfer: “There is a renewed sense of togetherness. When the entire world is facing the same challenge, any petty industry rivalries really do go out the window. It’s about humanity now, and I think we’re seeing that reflected in the way many brands across our industry are working. At WeTransfer, we’ve been working with our fellow B Corp companies [businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance], to explore how we can create a positive impact on the planet as we move forward, and how we can empower and inform each other and, in turn, our customers. At the end of the day, it’s about recognizing and listening to numerous perspectives.” [155] A European platform that analyses the most innovative emerging practices at the European level, provides a new space for the exchange of knowledge and confrontation, theory, and production. [156]
Efforts to combat the current global supply chain crisis require open communication and collaboration. For example, a digital platform of Maersk’s TradeLens is including now data from Hapag-Lloyd and ONE and attracting more carriers and adding terminal operators and railroads to increase visibility across a shipper's supply chain. [157] The same is with trucking companies; as companies look to become the one-stop shop for supply chain, integration with other digital supply chain companies is becoming increasingly common. Convoy has integrated with multiple transportation management system providers in an effort to make its network "most widely available in the industry”. [125] Climate change and sustainability efforts in Europe are based on open communication and collaboration. Niklas Nillroth, head of sustainability and public affairs at Volvo Construction Equipment (CE): “New exciting technology is definitely one of the key ways to reduce carbon impact. However, another significant driver in achieving these targets will be a new level of collaboration, internally as well as externally though partnerships. Only with joint efforts, where each and every one of us takes responsibility for our part with a holistic mindset, will we be able to collectively reach these important goals.” [158] Another example is Epiroc Group, an infrastructure and mining equipment manufacturer, has launched a three-year EU-funded project collaboration project with several mining companies, equipment and system manufacturers and universities. [124] Telematics specialist Trackunit has published a report which explores how data sharing can maximize productivity gains across industry applications and eliminate downtime. [159]
Diversity and inclusion initiatives are examples of open collaboration and communication in the industry. For example, 547 companies have taken the Associated General Contractors of America's Culture of CARE pledge, in which they vow to provide a workplace free of harassment, hazing and bullying. Recent nooses on the infrastructure construction sites in the US (e.g., federally funded vaccine retrofit project) could be politically motivated attacking the Biden administration has consistently emphasized diversity and inclusion initiatives on its proposed infrastructure projects. The latest incident at the Merck construction site had many similar events in the previous months at an Amazon construction site in Windsor, Connecticut. The incidents come at a time when many construction companies are upping their diversity and inclusion efforts, in part to attract younger workers into the field. While these kind of incidents were getting plenty of news coverage during 2020's social upheaval, they were also nothing new in the sector. [160]