Elsevier

Decision Support Systems

Volume 47, Issue 4, November 2009, Pages 277-286
Decision Support Systems

Instantiating global crisis networks: The case of SARS

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dss.2009.05.005Get rights and content

Abstract

In this paper we build a multi-theoretical and multi-level framework for analyzing Global Crisis Networks (GCN). These information-centric, heterarchically structured networks are instantiated in response to major disasters with global impact. The instantiation of GCN is conceived as a problem of collective action. Its success depends on multi-level preparedness, and network orchestration and participation. With this framework we analyze the SARS outbreak in 2002 and its successful containment in 2003. We analyze two individual country cases, Canada and China and discuss the role of the network orchestrator, the World Health Organizations. The paper concludes with implications for research and practice.

Keywords

Global Crisis Networks
Global decision making
Network instantiation
Network coordination
Global diseases

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Dr. Peter J. van Baalen is an Associate Professor of Knowledge, IT and Organization, academic director of the Centre of e-Learning and Knowledge Management (CELK). Peter van Baalen lectures in the fields of knowledge management, e-organizations, new media and communication in business, and open innovation in the knowledge economy. His recent research focuses on knowledge exchange, IT-adoption, open source software development, e-communities, new media and the evolution of global knowledge networks. Peter van Baalen published seven books and about 90 articles in national and international journals, chapters in books, and research papers and reports.

Dr. Paul C. van Fenema is an Associate Professor at Netherlands Defense Academy, The Netherlands, and a part-time instructor at Tilburg University. He holds a PhD in Information Systems and Management from RSM Erasmus (The Netherlands), and held positions at this school and Florida International University. His research focuses on coordination, value creation, and knowledge management in global IS projects and High Reliability Organizations. His work has been widely published in books and journals (www.paulcvanfenema.com), including MIS Quarterly, Communications of the ACM, European Journal of IS, and Journal of International Business Studies (forthcoming). Paul is the co-author of the book “Knowledge Processes in Globally Distributed Contexts”, Palgrave, 2008. He co-edits a book on Military Organizations (forthcoming, Routledge).

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