Crisis Response Information Networks

Journal of the Association for Information Systems, (13:1) pp. 518-555, 2012

Posted: 21 Apr 2013

See all articles by Shan Pan

Shan Pan

National University of Singapore (NUS)

Gary Pan

Singapore Management University - School of Accountancy

Dorothy Leidner

Baylor University; Lund University

Date Written: January 20, 2012

Abstract

In the past two decades, organizational scholars have focused significant attention on how organizations manage crises. While most of these studies concentrate on crisis prevention, there is a growing emphasis on crisis response. Because information that is critical to crisis response may become outdated as crisis conditions change, crisis response research recognizes that the management of information flows and networks is critical to crisis response. Yet despite its importance, little is known about the various types of crisis information networks and the role of IT in enabling these information networks. Employing concepts from information flow and social network theories, this paper contributes to crisis management research by developing four crisis response information network prototypes. These networks are based on two main dimensions: (1) information flow intensity and (2) network density. We describe how considerations of these two dimensions with supporting case evidence yield four prototypical crisis information response networks: Information Star, Information Pyramid, Information Forest, and Information Black-out. In addition, we examine the role of IT within each information network structure. We conclude with guidelines for managers to deploy appropriate information networks during crisis response and with suggestions for future research related to IT and crisis management.

Keywords: Crisis Response, Information Networks, Role of IT, Information Flow, Network Density

JEL Classification: M40

Suggested Citation

Pan, Shan and Pan, Gary and Leidner, Dorothy, Crisis Response Information Networks (January 20, 2012). Journal of the Association for Information Systems, (13:1) pp. 518-555, 2012, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2254241

Shan Pan

National University of Singapore (NUS) ( email )

1E Kent Ridge Road
NUHS Tower Block Level 7
Singapore, 119228
Singapore

Gary Pan (Contact Author)

Singapore Management University - School of Accountancy ( email )

60 Stamford Road
Singapore 178900
Singapore

Dorothy Leidner

Baylor University ( email )

School of Engineering & Computer Science
Waco, TX 76798
United States

Lund University ( email )

Box 117
Lund, SC Skane S221 00
Sweden

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