Li, H.; Wei, Q.; Liu, J.; Bao, X.; Ma, Y. and Hong, Y. (2026) How relationship-specific memory affects the operational resilience of cross-border critical infrastructure systems through inter-organizational improvisation. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, pp. 1-28. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose – The operation of cross-border critical infrastructure systems (CBCISs) faces growing threats from disruptions and disasters in an increasingly volatile external environment. Operating across multiple jurisdictions with distinct legal frameworks, regulatory standards, and governance structures, CBCISs depend heavily on collaboration among multiple stakeholders for operational resilience (OR). However, limited research on how the collaborative experiences of stakeholders influence the absorption and recovery capabilities of CBCISs in emergencies. This study aims to explore the effect of relationship-specific memory on the OR of CBCISs from the perspective of inter-organizational collaboration. Design/methodology/approach – This study develops a mechanism through which relationship-specific memory (RSM) influences the two dimensions of OR—disruption absorption (DA) and recoverability (RE)—in CBCISs and investigates the mediating roles of two sub-processes of inter-organizational improvisation: spontaneous improvisation (ISI) and creative improvisation (ICI). Using data collected from vignette-based experiments, this study empirically tests the conceptual model using hierarchical regression analysis. Findings – Results indicate that RSM positively influences both inter-organizational improvisation and the OR of CBCISs. Both ISI and ICI improvisation play a partially mediating role. Specifically, RSM not only directly enhances the DA and RE of CBCISs, but also improves their OR by facilitating ISI and ICI among stakeholders in cross-border contexts. Originality/value – This paper demonstrates how RSM enhances the OR of CBCISs by elucidating the mediating roles of ISI and ICI. The findings can guide stakeholders of CBCISs in strengthening collaboration to more effectively foster the emergence of inter-organizational improvisation under cross-border institutional and regulatory constraints, thereby improving the OR of such systems. 2026
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | cross-border critical infrastructure systems; inter-organizational improvisation; operational resilience; relationship-specific memory |
| Index terms: | emergence, experiment, dimension, methodology, jurisdiction, face, recovery, collaboration, vignette, critical infrastructure, regression analysis, strengthening, governance |
| Subjects: | management, legal systems, systems engineering, research dissemination and communication, research methods, statistical analysis, business, psychology, structural engineering, health monitoring assessment and metrics, infrastructure and transport systems, data collection methods, operations management |
| Topics: | Health and Safety, Governance, Research Practice, Organizational Design, Project Management, Engineering Principles, Legal Issues |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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