A Critical Examination of the Assumptions Regarding Centralized Coordination in Large-Scale Emergency Situations

Abstract

Scientists have extensively debated the effectiveness of different emer gency response management models, with a particular focus on the "command and control" versus "coordination" models. This debate, which focuses on centra lized coordination at the tactical and strategic levels, assumes that the activity of frontline units within and between response organizations must be aligned and that it is possible to exercise control over frontline units. In this article, we discuss these assumptions and argue that researchers over estimate the degree to which frontline units can and should be centrally coordinated during the acute phase of emergency situations. Instead, we provide a mechanism in which coordination naturally emerges from the task at hand when frontline units follow a few simple decision rules. In addition, two managerial intervention strategies are presented that only may work in specific situations when frontline units are likely to misin terpret the environment in which they operate.

Values and Complexities in Assessing Strategic‐Level Emergency Management Effectiveness

“…This is in keeping with the findings of Groenendaal et al. () where there was a perception that all that was needed for better emergency management was new statutory requirements. The participants in this study argued that a central driver of this challenge lies in an expectation that emergency services organizations would provide a consistent level of service despite mounting evidence that our presently unsustainable lifestyles are making us increasing vulnerable to a changing climate and associated extreme events.…”

“…Yet, also discussed in the literature is the point that those working at the strategic level have limited impact on controlling what happens on the front line, especially in the first few hours of a major event (Scholtens, Jorritsma & Helsloot, 2014). This points to the need to uncover the untested assumptions upon which existing emergency management systems are based (Groenendaal et al, 2013).…”

Assessment Methods Analysis of Models Reliability of Emergency Response in Emergency Situations

“…Problems of evacuation on the following: Siebeneck [4]. Part of the research devoted to examining the human toll of the disaster: Groenendaal, etc., 2013 [6]; Kolen, etc., 2013 [3]; Jonkman et al, 2010 [7]. They use models of decision support.…”

Literature Review on Medical Incident Command

“…46 Abbasi et al found that incident management teams do not focus on resource shortage and ''make do with what they have available to them at the time.'' 36 The ICS organizational model may be described as hierarchical 55,59 and based on bureaucratic principles. 48 The hierarchical model has been viewed positively by response practitioners who have ''focused on the command and control value of ICS,'' and has been criticized for ''lack of focus on coordination between organizations and levels of government responding to disaster.''…”