Interagency Collaboration and Exchange in Wildfire Management - An insight from Disaster Risk Management

Collaboration is an integral part of disaster operations but often fails due to the poor preparation and relationship building. Based on previous research, this research argued that interagency collaboration is not fully understood due to different perceptions of what collaboration entails and requires. This research argues that through collaboration could lead to better wildfire management practices. Building upon Reason's Swiss cheese model, the thesis categorizes barriers hindering collaboration into individual, technology, social, and organizational dimensions, aligning with the Human Technology and Organization (HTO) perspective. Recognizing the interactive nature of these factors, the study distinguishes between latent conditions and active failures, emphasizing the contextual dependence of barrier manifestations on local circumstances.
Drawing upon a robust theoretical framework on collaboration (Hutter, 2016; Francesch- Huidobro, 2015; DeHoog, 2015; Hu, Knox, & Kapucu, 2014; Kapucu & Hu, 2014; Noran, 2014), study conducts a holistic case study involving personnel from wildfire management agencies, NGOs, and fire departments in Cyprus. Employing qualitative methods, systematic interviews discover implicit norms shaping exchange and collaboration within
the context of disaster management (DeHoog; Hu, et al.; Kapucu & Hu; Noran, 2014). The findings underscore the crucial role of leadership traits, political influence, authority dynamics, effective communication, and relationship building in optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of wildfire management practices. The research advocates for practical recommendations, emphasizing the need for consistent educational and training requirements for emergency managers.
Furthermore, the thesis proposes an integrated approach as a viable strategy to diminish or eliminate collaboration barriers, positing its potential for practical application. The study concludes by encouraging future research to deepen the systematic understanding of additional factors or circumstances impacting collaboration in wildfire management. This work aims to contribute valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and scholars committed to advancing the science of collaborative emergency management.