Collaborative governance and effectiveness during emergency response actions in Norway

Abstract

The challenges of emergency response often reflect wicked problems that transcend conventional public policy and require networked strategies. This article examines how the combination of hierarchical and network elements in the Norwegian model of “collaborative emergency preparedness” affects emergency outcomes. This model supports formal volunteer and public collaboration and enables a mix of command and network coordination. A survey of more than 1500 volunteers from Norway's major emergency response organizations shows that procedures, leadership, communication and technology significantly influence the quality of coordination and perceived effectiveness. Trust in the police and the volunteer's own organization also influences perceived effectiveness, depending on who is leading the operation. The results are, to a large extent, consistent with our integrated theoretical framework, showing that both formal and informal elements influence the response effectiveness in a hybrid governance system.