The 6-factor organisational resilience tool (6FORT): A self-report tool for assessing organisational resilience

In an era marked by rapid changes and unforeseen crises, organisations face increasing challenges in navigating complex environments. Recent events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts and natural disasters, underscore the need for organisations capable of surviving and thriving in turbulent conditions. Organisational resilience (OR) has become an essential construct in strategic planning and maintaining operational continuity, yet quantitative measures remain limited and lacking empirical validation. This study addresses this gap by introducing the 6-factor organisational resilience tool (6FORT), a quantitative framework designed to assess and enhance resilience in military units. Developed for the Israeli Air Force (IAF), 6FORT provides a practical approach to measuring resilience, aiming to inform emergency preparedness and recovery plans in operational squadrons. The study presents the development and psychometric features of 6FORT, based on a large cohort (N = 18,697). Using mixed methods, a six-factor model was obtained: leadership, open communication, task readiness, organisational learning, connectedness and professionalism. 6FORT demonstrates strong consistency and external validity, with factors that align with previous literature. The relationship between OR and organisational performance was also explored. By integrating 6FORT into organisational practices, military leaders can gain actionable insights into their units’ strengths and weaknesses, allowing for targeted resilience development and crisis management.