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

Author

Listed:
  • Groenendaal Jelle
  • Helsloot Ira

    (Faculty of Management Sciences, Department of Public Administration, Radboud University Nijmegen, Thomas van Aquinostraat 3, 6525 GD Nijmegen, the Netherlands)

  • Scholtens Astrid

    (Crisislab, Dashorsterweg 1, 3927CN Renswoude, the Netherlands)

Abstract

Scientists have extensively debated the effectiveness of different emergency response management models, with a particular focus on the “command and control” versus “coordination” models. This debate, which focuses on centralized 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 overestimate 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 misinterpret the environment in which they operate.

Suggested Citation

  • Groenendaal Jelle & Helsloot Ira & Scholtens Astrid, 2013. "A Critical Examination of the Assumptions Regarding Centralized Coordination in Large-Scale Emergency Situations," Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, De Gruyter, vol. 10(1), pages 113-135, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:johsem:v:10:y:2013:i:1:p:113-135:n:10
    DOI: 10.1515/jhsem-2012-0053
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