Factors influencing communication structures and processes in disaster management teams – Fields of action and design options

Abstract

The increase in complex emergency situations, such as extreme weather events, pandemics, or terrorist threats, requires civil protection and disaster management actors to act quickly in a high-risk environment characterized by great uncertainty. In this context, a specific leadership organization is established as a temporary coordination and advisory body to support a decision-maker in performing his or her leadership duties: The staff organization as rear management unit. One of the main challenges in this regard is to design communication structures and processes that are as efficient and effective as possible. This article examines the social, organizational, and technological factors that influence communication structures and processes in disaster management teams which are organized according to the principle of the staff organization. Furthermore, relevant fields of action and design options are outlined.