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| Collaborative networks are crucial |
Working together is not often the smoothest way to get things done. However, collaboration by definition in emergency management is the collective agencies, departments, as well as all internal and external stakeholders working towards shared objectives, and goals. This means that collaboration takes place at all levels.
Collaboration should be taking place from agencies and organizations that hope to improve upon and make strides in effectively providing disaster aid to affected communities. To do this you need to have mutual trust in each other’s capabilities, decision support on all levels, and shared values and goals. You cannot be separate on any of the above qualities if you hope to have a collaborative network. Each of these qualities should be fostered in the foundation of each organization in the collaboration to have it be effective long term.
Further, for more insightful and effective outlooks on collaboration and its effects I suggest readingCollaboration and Leadership for Effective Emergency Management, by (Streib & Waugh Jr., 2006). The authors discuss leadership and effectiveness of collaboration in disaster situations, why they have failed in the past, and how they can improve in the future with the use of collaboration.
Whether or not you feel you know it all, it is always best to have partners, to bring in experts in different fields, and to have many stakeholders. Essentially it is important to collaborate at every level so that when you need the support you have a strong network to back up your community.
Works Cited:
Streib , G., & Waugh Jr., W. L. (2006). Collaboration and Leadership for Effective Emergency Management.Public Administration Review .
