220 Chapter 6 explained how the pandemic’s uncertainty forced the organization to continue communicating and ‘communicate more’ on both microlevels and macrolevels. Externally, the organization shared many of its initiatives with the public. The document analysis proved how Sanquin’s initiatives were in the Dutch media spotlight on a weekly basis for consecutive months into the years. This boosted Sanquin’s reputation, as seen in this quote: “For the image of Sanquin, it’s been a blessing” (Corporate staff2, 13 years). Monitoring and feedback As these initiatives were done, monitoring and feedback occurred in unique and expedited ways. The interviews and the document analysis showed how there was a group called the Corona Steering Committee comprised individuals from many of the ongoing initiatives who met regularly to provide updates about their initiative to seek or offer help and feedback as needed. This group also included personnel who were not directly involved in various initiatives directly (e.g., finance, communications) but could provide their expertise and gain insights to bring back to their own departments. Interview respondents who were part of this committee stated how helpful it was. Externally, one initiative remained in the Dutch spotlight through the years and was a type of external monitoring that accommodated public feedback. The ‘Finger on the Wrist’ study measured COVID-19 antibodies within the donor population over time. The results were released regularly and directly to the public, instead of being published through scientific publication. This was the first large Sanquin study of its kind to be communicated in such a manner which allowed citizens to forward potential explanations for data fluctuations to the principal investigator. Resources All the COVID-19 initiatives were supported by the organization’s resource availability. The document analysis and interviews recorded how Sanquin received more financial resources during this time from the Ministry of Health and also acquired more external research grants. Furthermore, interview respondents explained that since most of the initiatives were done next to pre-pandemic functions, they experienced a shortage of time, supplies, skilled personnel and difficulties with outdated medical systems. These lacks forced employees to be creative in the interim, and all respondents reiterated the collective social strength throughout.
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