National Crisis Response Networks (NCRN) and Military Organizations: Revisiting the Katrina Case
New Wars, New Militaries, New Soldiers: Conflicts, the Armed Forces and the Soldierly Subject
ISBN: 978-1-78052-638-6, eISBN: 978-1-78052-639-3
Publication date: 29 November 2012
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to understand the effectiveness of national crisis response networks (NCRN) in a broad sense, including the domains of governance, and strategic and tactical management. The chapter thus moves beyond views considering crisis response a reactive, tactical level effort. Specifically, it focuses on the role of military organizations in NCRNs.
Methodology/approach – After building a research framework based on organization and military studies, this case study examines the organizational response to the disaster that was caused by the tropical cyclone “Katrina”; the data used are qualitative.
Findings – The results highlight the ex-ante lack of preparedness of organizations to cooperate in a NCRN. Once Katrina hit in 2005, confusion and tensions permeated interorganizational relationships for a number of days.
Research limitations/implications – Implications for researchers and practitioners center on the NCRN's backbone organizations and communities potentially affected. Through tension management and network-level investments in knowledge and routines they can contribute to effective crisis response. The framework could be applied to other national crises. Case studies can be generalized in a conceptual sense.
Originality/value of paper – Katrina has been studied quite extensively yet from a crisis response perspective. This chapter offers a reflection that broadens the scope of our understanding of NCRNs, with an emphasis on the military.
Keywords
Citation
van Fenema, P.C. (2012), "National Crisis Response Networks (NCRN) and Military Organizations: Revisiting the Katrina Case", Kümmel, G. and Soeters, J. (Ed.) New Wars, New Militaries, New Soldiers: Conflicts, the Armed Forces and the Soldierly Subject (Contributions to Conflict Management, Peace Economics and Development, Vol. 19), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 109-128. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1572-8323(2012)0000019011
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited