A Longitudinal Study Of Evolving Networks In Response To Natural Disaster

Keywords

Coordination; Coordination models; Disaster networks; Disaster response; Longitudinal analysis; Network dynamics

Abstract

In this study, we present a longitudinal analysis of the evolution of interorganizational disaster coordination networks (IoDCNs) in response to natural disasters. There are very few systematic empirical studies which try to quantify the optimal functioning of emerging networks dealing with natural disasters. We suggest that social network analysis is a useful method for exploring this complex phenomenon from both theoretical and methodological perspective aiming to develop a quantitative assessment framework which could aid in developing a better understanding of the optimal functioning of these emerging IoDCN during natural disasters. This analysis highlights the importance of utilizing network metrics to investigate disaster response coordination networks. Results of our investigation suggest that in disasters the rate of communication increases and creates the conditions where organizational structures need to move at that same pace to exchange new information. Our analysis also shows that inter-organizational coordination network structures are not fixed and vary in each period during a disaster depending on the needs. This may serve the basis for developing preparedness among agencies with an improved perspective for gaining effectiveness and efficiency in responding to natural disasters.

Publication Date

3-1-2016

Publication Title

Computational and Mathematical Organization Theory

Volume

22

Issue

1

Number of Pages

47-70

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10588-015-9196-7

Socpus ID

84956659490 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84956659490

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