Management Challenges of Informal Volunteers: The Case of Kermanshah Earthquake in Iran (2017).

Abstract

Two of the 5 great earthquakes have occurred in Iran between 1990 and 2005. Informal volunteers' management is a determinant factor in disaster management. This research was conducted to investigate the management challenges of informal volunteers after the Kermanshah earthquake. The study is qualitative, done by content analysis. Data were gathered by observation and semi-structured interview. Analysis of 12 interviews resulted in 4 main categories (inappropriate dispatch, volunteers' inefficiency, decrease in volunteers' incentive, deficiency of welfare services) and 11 subcategories. To avoid mistrust and decrease in motivation, proposed actions are: standardize information collection, apply effective communication, create registration networks and accreditation of certificates and expertise, and perform periodic drills. We recommend the start of extracurricular programs and applying potential volunteers within the preparedness phase, and follow-up at the beginning of the response phase. Decrease of motivation to participate in future events needs to be studied more comprehensively.