Interaction Between Canadian And American Governmental And Non-Governmental Organizations During The Red River Flood of 1977, International Joint Commission Ottawa/Washington
Files
Date
2000
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Description
This study examines transnational interaction between Canadian and American
organizations during their response to the 1997 Red River flood. In particular, the research
focuses on:
1) the direction and degree of dependency organizations had on their cross-border
counterparts for information and response implementation;
2) the use of formal and informal processes in transnational decision-making and
communication;
3) the extent to which standardization inconsistencies affected the disaster response;
4) whether or not transnational interaction occurred primarily between centralized
emergency organizations or decentralized agencies involved in flood-fighting efforts.
The analysis uses a grounded theory examination of cross-border agreements, agency and
governmental reports, newspapers, and interviews conducted with sixty-two key representatives
from principle Canadian and American organizations involved in the flood response. The study describes the nature and frequency of the interaction. It finds that although
several problems or areas of confusion developed, transnational interaction between organizations
during the 1997 flood was generally successful, with respondents reporting satisfaction with the willingness and ability of their counterparts to provide information and assistance. The research
also identifies ways in which moss-border interaction can be expanded and issues that should be
considered before such implementation occurs. Recommendations are listed below in the order
that they are discussed in the body of the text.
Keywords
Red River Flood Of 1977, Government Organizations Relationship, Canadian And American Interaction, Centralization