Document Actions
What Makes Hierarchical Networks Succeed? Evidence from Hurricane Katrina
Title: “What Makes Hierarchical Networks Succeed? Evidence from Hurricane Katrina”
Date: November 2006
Author: Donald P. Moynihan
Institution: University of Wisconsin–Madison Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs
Bibliographic Entry: Moynihan, Donald P. "What Makes Hierarchical Networks Succeed? Evidence from Hurricane Katrina." Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Association of Public Policy and Management, Madison, Wisconsin, November 2006, 32 pages. Accessed at: http://www.lafollette.wisc.edu/appam/moynihankatrina.pdf (accessed Sept. 11, 2007).
Electronic Link: http://www.lafollette.wisc.edu/appam/moynihankatrina.pdf
Key Words: Hurricane Katrina, hierarchical networks
Summary of Key Points, Issues, Conclusions:
This paper examines problems with the response to Hurricane Katrina, from a network perspective, identifying how network task, capacity and coordination factors weakened response. Katrina’s impact called for a response network of such a vast size and diversity that was inherently difficult to coordinate. The hurricane also eliminated network communication.
The task was so urgent that it gave responders little time to adapt. Capacity problems of key members led to diminished network response, and resource problems led to inadequate numbers of personnel, poorly prepared for their tasks. Capacity problems also weakened coordination, as did a lack of understanding of new crisis management policies that provided rules by which networks response were to be guided. These policies called for hierarchical controls over the network of crisis responders, but were unfamiliar to many responders, and never properly implemented during Katrina. Trust between network members declined as network members struggled to complete their tasks, weakening another key network coordination mechanism.
Name of Researcher: Alison Stevens
Institution: Integrative Center for Homeland Security, Texas A&M University
Date Posted: Sept. 12, 2007