Interaction Between Canadian and American Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations During the Red River Flood of 1997
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Date
2000
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Publisher
Disaster Research Center
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 cohesion 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 cross-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
Canda, interaction, Red River Flood of 1997, non-governmental oganizations