Effective model based on the role of leadership structure and information system in the field of crisis management

Abstract

Once a disaster, whether natural or man-made occurs in a geographical area, it can influence that area at different levels based on the degree of vulnerability and capacity of that community. Obtaining initial recognition of threats, risk management, effective leadership on the field of crisis management at all stages of this management cycle and also providing enough background for acquiring and improving preparedness in all sections of society can highly prevent the occurrence of damage and casualties and increase the speed and accuracy of response operation. Considering three factors of communication, common vision and values as well as care and protection of people- which are the characteristics of leadership in critical conditions- can change the conditions in favour of crisis control and management. However, due to lack of a unified crisis command system in Iran and the authorities’ resistance to systematic approaches and modern technologies and according to three main characteristics of uncertainty, complexity and interaction effects of each disaster which needs systematic mechanisms for command unification, regular planning and coordination at all levels of management, this paper aims to present and describe three solutions: 1) instead of relying on managerial positions, rely on leadership and hierarchical command for self-organization and self- synchronization of operational teams; 2) creating a crisis control centre as the core of responses for monitoring, guidance, and supervision of measures; 3) applying an information system as an enabling factor in decision-making, within/inter organization communications, leveraging command and control across decision making, creating a common operational picture and controlling trustee agencies to organize and make a response dealing with crisis. Another aim of this paper is to introduce a new model with three strategic, tactical and operational levels according to the conditions of indigenous culture and organizational structure to strengthen the command system in crisis. Key words: Disaster, crisis leadership, crisis management, crisis command, information system.