Organisational Issues in Implementing an Information Sharing Framework: Lessons from the Matata Flooding Events in New Zealand

Abstract

This paper presents a critical review and analysis of issues in implementing electronic data and information sharing frameworks for organisations involved in response activities during disaster. An implementation focused approach is used to understand end-user needs and develop tools that meet their operational requirements. A case study of New Zealand roading organisations examines how information is currently shared both within and between organisations to support crisis decision-making, and the potential benefits and implications of enhanced data and information sharing frameworks. Preliminary results show that considerable performance gains in response activities during disasters can be achieved provided technology is designed to work with and enhance existing operating structures.

Managing information sharing within an organizational setting: A social network perspective

“…For a coordinated and effective action, organizations and individuals require accessing information about the disaster's intensity, location, related damages, and availability of human and physical resources to respond to the crisis. To facilitate timely response activities, information sharing between and among organization members needs to be encouraged and supported by the culture itself (Britton & Clark, 2000;Dantas & Seville, 2006;Haythornthwaite, 1996;Marincioni, 2001;National Research Council, 2005;Oliva, 2005). For increased performance to occur, new information needs to be disseminated continually to key individuals within organizations and as a result is treated as an economic resource (Berry, Towill, & Wadsley, 1994;Fairchild, 2006;Phan, 2002;Wagner, 2006).…”

Crisis Response Information Networks

“…In this structure, information is gathered by the central organization (as opposed to by independent agencies, as with the star) and sent to the supporting agencies for whom it is relevant. The pyramid structure eliminates delays caused by bureaucratic structures (Dantas & Seville, 2006) and allows information to be coordinated through a single body and quickly spread to others.…”

How to Achieve Local Resilience to Flood Risks by Increasing Solidarity: The Example of the “Syndicat Mixte” (Inter-Municipal Cooperation Structure) of the French Territory of Belfort-Montbéliard

“…The successful implementation of such a program requires the ability to understand public needs, a degree of innovation and willingness to adopt a problem-solving approach. As stated by Winter and Bromhead [26], willingness is a qualitative measure of risk acceptance but risk acceptance is related to risk remediation and mitigation, especially by public policies [31]. One key factor is the connection across diverse local councils in order to increase local solidarity.…”