Understanding Information Exchange During Disaster Response: Methodological Insights from Infocentric Analysis

Administration & Society, Vol. 46(6) 707-743, 2014

38 Pages Posted: 29 Jul 2014

See all articles by Toddi A. Steelman

Toddi A. Steelman

University of Saskatchewan

Branda Nowell

North Carolina State University

Deena Bayoumi

Independent

Sarah McCaffrey

United States Forest Service

Date Written: July 25, 2014

Abstract

We leverage economic theory, network theory, and social network analytical techniques to bring greater conceptual and methodological rigor to understand how information is exchanged during disasters. We ask, “How can information relationships be evaluated more systematically during a disaster response?” “Infocentric analysis” — a term and approach we develop here — can (a) define an information market and information needs, (b) identify suppliers of information and mechanisms for information exchange, (c) map the information exchange network, and (d) diagnose information exchange failures. These steps are essential for describing how information flows, diagnosing complications, and positing solutions to rectify information problems during a disaster.

Keywords: disasters, information, social network analysis, interorganizational coordination communication, exchange markets, infocentric social network analysis, wildfire

Suggested Citation

Steelman, Toddi A. and Nowell, Branda and Bayoumi, Deena and McCaffrey, Sarah, Understanding Information Exchange During Disaster Response: Methodological Insights from Infocentric Analysis (July 25, 2014). Administration & Society, Vol. 46(6) 707-743, 2014, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2472152

Toddi A. Steelman (Contact Author)

University of Saskatchewan ( email )

School of Environment and Sustainability
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A7
Canada

Branda Nowell

North Carolina State University ( email )

Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27695
United States

Deena Bayoumi

Independent ( email )

Sarah McCaffrey

United States Forest Service ( email )

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