Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Shortcomings of Netcentric Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
Information Technology in Disaster Risk Reduction (ITDRR 2022)

Part of the book series: IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology ((IFIPAICT,volume 672))

  • 143 Accesses

Abstract

As the COVID-19 pandemic is a multi-agency, long-lasting crisis with a complex information structure, the netcentric approach in the crisis operations would be expected to show its advantages. However, the implementation of netcentric operations seems to be met with challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research investigates the capability of organizations to adapt the netcentric approach, specifically in relation to information sharing in changing contexts. Thereby, the factors that influence inter-organizational information sharing within netcentric operations are examined. It can be concluded that in practice, re-applying the principles of netcentric operations to a different context can be challenging. More specifically, over time, the netcentric operations become ingrained in process, systems, and tools. While this codified and institutionalized netcentric approach supports the daily information exchange in emergencies, it also reduces the ability of organizations to adapt their approaches to new requirements dictated by changing circumstances.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 89.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Militello, L.G., Patterson, E.S., Bowman, L., Wears, R.: Information flow during crisis management: challenges to coordination in the emergency operations center. Cognit. Technol. Work, 25–31 (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  2. McEntire: Coordinating multi-organizational responses to disaster: lessons from the March 28, 2000, Fort Worth tornado. Disaster Prev. Manag., 369–379 (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Bharosa, N., Lee, J.K., Janssen, M.: Challenges and obstacles in sharing and coordinating information during multi-agency disaster response: propositions from field exercises. Inf. Syst. Front. 12(1), 49–65 (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  4. Reddy, M.C., Paul, S.A., Abraham, J., McNeese, M., DeFlitch, C., Yen, J.: Challenges to effective crisis management: using information and communication technologies to coordinate emergency medical services and emergency department teams. Int. J. Med. Inform., 259–269 (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  5. Wolbers, J., Boersma, F.K., de Heer, J.: Netcentrisch werken in ontwikkeling (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Calderon-Meza, G.: An analysis of the effects of net-centric operations using multi-agent adaptive behavior, vol. 213. George Mason University (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  7. Alberts, D.S., Hayes, R.E.: DoD Command and Control Research Program. CCRP, pp. 8–98 (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Janssen, M., & Van der Voort, H.: Agile and adaptive governance in crisis response: lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. Int. J. Inf. Manag. 55 (2020)

    Google Scholar 

  9. Gil-Garcia, J.R., Sayogo, D.S.: Government inter-organizational information sharing initiatives: understanding the main determinants of success. Gov. Inf. Q., 572–582 (2016)

    Google Scholar 

  10. Bharosa, N., Janssen, M., Tan, Y.H.: A research agenda for information quality assurance in public safety networks: information orchestration as the middle ground between hierarchical and netcentric approaches. Cognit. Technol. Work, 203–216 (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  11. Wolfswinkel, J.F., Furtmueller, E., Wilderom, C.P.M.: Using grounded theory as a method for rigorously reviewing literature. Eur. J. Inf. Syst. 22(1), 45–55 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Charmaz, K.: Constructing Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide Through Qualitative Analysis. Sage Publications, London (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  13. Blair, E.: A reflexive exploration of two qualitative data coding techniques. J. Methods Meas. Soc. Sci., 14–29 (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  14. Alberts, D.S., Garstka, J.J., Stein, F.P.: Network-Centric Warfare: Developing and Leveraging Information Superiority, vol. 2. CCRP Publication Series, Washington (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  15. Van De Ven, J., Van Rijk, R., Essens, P., Frinking, E.: Network centric operations in crisis management. In: 5th International ISCRAM Conference, Washington, DC, USA, May 2008

    Google Scholar 

  16. Van de Ven, A.H., Walker, G.: The dynamics of interorganizational coordination. Adm. Sci. Q., 598–621 (1984)

    Google Scholar 

  17. Calderón-Meza, G.: An Analysis of the Effects of Net-Centric Operations Using Multi-Agent Adaptive Behavior. George Mason University (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  18. Van Santen, W., Jonker, C., Wijngaards, N.: Crisis decision making through a shared integrative negotiation mental model. Int. J. Emerg. Manag. 6(3–4), 342–355 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Li, S., Lin, B.: Accessing information sharing and information quality in supply chain management, 1641–1656 (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  20. Gonzalez, R.A.: Coordination and its ICT support in crisis response: confronting the information-processing view of coordination with a case study. In: Proceedings of the 41st Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS 2008), p. 28. IEEE (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  21. Bruijn, H.D.: One Fight, One Team: the 9/11 Commission Report on Intelligence, Fragmentation and Information, pp. 267–287. Blackwell Publishing (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  22. Heath, C., Staudenmayer, N.: Coordination Neglect: How Lay Theories of Organizing Complicate Coordination in Organizations, pp. 153–191. Elsevier Science Inc. (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  23. Pardo, T.A., Gil-Garcia, J.R., Burke, G.B.: Sustainable cross-boundary information sharing. Center for Technology in Government, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York, U.S.A, pp. 422–438 (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  24. Drake, D.B., Steckler, N.A., Koch, M.J.: Information sharing in and across government agencies. Soc. Sci. Comput. Rev., 67–84 (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  25. Jamil, I., Panday, P.: Inter-organizational coordination and corruption in urban policy implementation in Bangladesh: a case of Rajshahi city corporation. Int. J. Public Adm., 352–366 (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  26. Long, D., Fahey, L.: Diagnosing cultural barriers to knowledge management. Acad. Manag. Exec., 113–127 (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  27. Ostroff, C., Kinicki, A.J., Muhammad, R.S.: Organizational culture and climate. In: Handbook of Psychology, pp. 643–670 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  28. Saab, D.J., Tapia, A., Maitland, C., Maldonado, E., Tchouakeu, L.M.N.: Inter-organizational coordination in the wild: trust building and collaboration among field-level ICT workers in humanitarian relief organizations. Voluntas Int. J. Volunt. Nonprofit Organ. 24, 194–213 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  29. Huang, Y.H.: Trust and relational commitment in corporate crises: the effects of crisis communicative strategy and form of crisis response. J. Public Relat. Res., 297–327 (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  30. McNeish, J., Mann, I.J.S.: Knowledge sharing and trust in organizations. J. Knowl. Manag. 38 (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  31. Kapucu, N.: Interagency communication networks during emergencies: boundary spanners in multiagency coordination. Am. Rev. Public Adm., 207–225 (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  32. Sako, M.: Price, Quality and Trust: Inter-firm Relations in Britain and Japan, no. 18. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge (1992)

    Google Scholar 

  33. Cousins, P.D.: A conceptual model for managing long-term inter-organisational relationships, 71–82 (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  34. Comfort, L.K., Kapucu, N.: Inter-organizational coordination in extreme events: the world trade center attacks, September 11, 2001. Nat. Hazards 39(2), 309 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Hossain, L., Khalili, S., Uddin, S.: Inter-organizational coordination dynamics during crisis. J. Decis. Syst., 383–396 (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  36. Paine, D.: How to measure your results in a crisis, vol. 9. The Institute for Public Relations (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  37. Fischer, D., Posegga, O., Fischbach, K.: Communication barriers in crisis management: a literature review. In: Twenty-Fourth European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS), vol. 18 (2016)

    Google Scholar 

  38. Gil-Garcia, J.R., Chun, S.A., Janssen, M.: Government information sharing and integration: combining the social and the technical. Inf. Polity 14(1, 2), 1–10 (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  39. Paturas, J.L, Smith, S.R., Albanese, J., Waite, G.: Inter-organisational response to disasters. J. Bus. Contin. Emerg. Plan., 347–358 (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  40. Dawes, S.S: Interagency information shoring: expected benefits, manageable risks. J. Policy Anal. Manag., 377–394 (1996)

    Google Scholar 

  41. Agarwal, R., Karahanna, E.: On the multi-dimensional nature of compatibility beliefs in technology acceptance. Digit 16 (1998)

    Google Scholar 

  42. Tornatzky, L.G., Klein, K.J.: Innovation characteristics and innovation adoption-implementation: a meta-analysis of findings. IEEE Trans. Eng. Manag. 1, 28–45 (1982)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Tchouakeu, L.M.N., Maitland, C.F., Tapia, A.H., Bajpai, K.: Humanitarian organizational collaboration: information technologies as necessary but not sufficient. In: ISCRAM, May 2011

    Google Scholar 

  44. Hart, P., Heyse, L., Boin, A.: Guest editorial introduction new trends in crisis management practice and crisis management research: setting the agenda. J. Conting. Crisis Manag., 181–189 (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  45. Kalkman, J.P., Kerstholt, J.H., Roelofs, M.: Crisis response team decision-making as a bureau- political process. Conting. Crisis Manag., 480–490 (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  46. Bigdeli, Z., Kamal, M., de Cesare, S.: Information sharing through inter-organisational systems in local government. Transform. Gov. People Process Policy, 148–176 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  47. Lam, W.: Barriers to e-government integration. J. Enterp. Inf. Manag., 511–530 (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  48. Landsbergen Jr., D., Wolken Jr., G.: Realizing the promise: government information systems and the fourth generation of information technology. Public Adm. Rev. 2001 (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  49. Ke, W., Wei, K.: Factors affecting trading partners’ knowledge sharing: using the lens of transaction cost economics and socio-political theories . Electron. Commer. Res. Appl., 297–308 (2007)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tilburg University, 5037AB, Tilburg, The Netherlands

    Abir Agray & Kenny Meesters

Authors
  1. Abir Agray
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Kenny Meesters
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kenny Meesters .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway

    Terje Gjøsæter

  2. University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway

    Jaziar Radianti

  3. Tsuda University, Tokyo, Japan

    Yuko Murayama

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 IFIP International Federation for Information Processing

About this paper

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this paper

Agray, A., Meesters, K. (2023). Shortcomings of Netcentric Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic. In: Gjøsæter, T., Radianti, J., Murayama, Y. (eds) Information Technology in Disaster Risk Reduction. ITDRR 2022. IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology, vol 672. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-34207-3_11

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-34207-3_11

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-031-34206-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-34207-3

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Societies and partnerships

Search

Navigation