Champions in the time of COVID-19: tracing paths to recovery in Ibero-America

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyze the case of Ximena Aguilera, a prominent Chilean epidemiologist, as an exemplar of a champion in times of COVID-19 in Ibero-America. We also refine our understanding of the nature of a champion facing wicked problems. Design/methodology/approach The authors use qualitative case analysis to examine Aguilera’s actions in response to COVID-19 and compare her actions with the characteristics of an emerging theory of champions facing wicked problems. Findings This study builds iteratively upon prior analysis of gender equality champions and finds that the depth, scope and leverage of embracement of champions in times of COVID-19 are parallel to those of gender equality champions. The authors also discuss the findings from the perspective of wicked problems. Research limitations/implications Future qualitative and quantitative work is needed to examine the boundaries of the theory of champions facing wicked problems across a wider range of problem domains and in a wider population of champions. Practical implications Wicked problems can occur in multi-level organizational structures, and understanding the characteristics of individuals best-suited to contribute to the definition and solution of these problems is relevant to organizational selection, development, policy and practices. Social implications Many of the society’s greatest challenges are defined as wicked problems, so understanding the champions of wicked problems is critical for public policy and societal advancement efforts. The nature of wicked problems is considered, and the implications of champions of wicked problems for society are discussed. Originality/value This work offers an in-depth examination of a champion facing a wicked problem, here the COVID-19 pandemic, while the crisis is ongoing. By capturing the champion’s observations and experiences in real time, the authors obtain a perspective that is unique and unavailable through other methods.

COVID-19, sustainable development challenges of Latin America and the Caribbean, and the potential engines for an SDGs-based recovery

“…Some authors have suggested that the close relationships between politicians and business leaders in the region might affect the inequality reduction in LAC (Bremer, 2009; Hennart et al , 2017), moreover, in a wicked problem situation as the one that the region is facing, there is a need for leaders that are able to interact with different entities and communities (Wagstaff et al , 2020). As a direct result of COVID-19, measures of confinement and social distancing have led to accelerating the virtualization of economic, social and labor relations (ECLAC, 2020b), however, the region is still underprepared for digital inclusion that considers the needs of the most vulnerable.…”

“…Although within the past few years LAC countries have made important attempts to reduce the digital divide; broadband internet connectivity is still less than 50%, which prevents online employment opportunity and online education for millions of people, especially when they are most needed because of lockdowns and jobs lost (Jaramillo, 2020). Some authors have suggested that the close relationships between politicians and business leaders in the region might affect the inequality reduction in LAC (Bremer, 2009;Hennart et al, 2017), moreover, in a wicked problem situation as the one that the region is facing, there is a need for leaders that are able to interact with different entities and communities (Wagstaff et al, 2020). As a direct result of COVID-19, measures of confinement and social distancing have led to accelerating the virtualization of economic, social and labor relations (ECLAC, 2020b), however, the region is still underprepared for digital inclusion that considers the needs of the most vulnerable.…”

Guest editorial

“…Using the conceptualization of wicked problems, their paper “Champions in the time of COVID-19: tracing paths to recovery in Ibero-America” (Wagstaff et al , 2020 this issue) analyze the case of Ximena Aguilera, a prominent Chilean epidemiologist, as an exemplar of a champion in times of COVID-19 in Ibero-America. Dr Aguilera has a vast experience dealing with previous pandemic outbreaks.…”

“…Iberoamerica faced social, economic, environmental and political problems before the wake of COVID-19. With different degrees of complexity, Spain, Portugal, Latin America and also the large Latino community in United States have been facing several wicked problems as Wagstaff et al (2020) defined. Iberoamerica experienced a complicated year in 2019.…”

Crises conducting stakeholder salience: shifts in the evolution of private universities’ governance in Latin America

“…Because of their domestic relevance and connections with local communities, expectations to assist more proximal stakeholders (Atanga, 2019; El-Kassar et al , 2019) and redefine how science contributes to society (Gibbons, 1999) suddenly gained relevance in HEIs’ decision-making and organizational outcomes. For example, HEIs that comprise epidemiology centers or traceability data centers, suddenly increased the visibility of these units, while responding to the COVID-19 pandemic (Wagstaff et al , 2020).…”