Challenges to effective information and communication systems in humanitarian relief organizations

Abstract

An effective information and communication system (ICS) is a central component of successful humanitarian relief efforts. An ICS involves not only IT but also people, practices, policies, and organizational environments. This paper explores major issues and challenges inherent to developing an effective ICS within the humanitarian relief non-governmental organization (NGO) sector. Although closely related, the issues and challenges inherent in both intraand inter-organizational communication in NGOs are discussed separately. The analysis goes beyond the IT issues usually focused on, emphasizing the enormous impacts of human, organizational, and environmental issues such as organizational structure, coordination, security, politics, and funding. We discuss both the strategic impact of these issues as well as the impact on an NGO's ability to communicate effectively during emergency response efforts.