WAngeloRolesandResponsibilitiesWithinManagementStructures

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Grand Canyon University *

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Jan 9, 2024

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Roles and Responsibilities Within Emergency Management Structures William L. Angelo Colangelo College of Business, Grand Canyon University EMM-412, Emergency Response Operations and Techniques David Arnold August 20, 2023 1

Roles and Responsibilities Within Emergency Management Structures Emergency Management and the Incident Command System (ICS) are foundational frameworks for orchestrating effective responses to disasters, playing a pivotal role in minimizing loss and facilitating a coordinated approach. The organizational structure within these systems, notably the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the hierarchy within Incident Command, delineates roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes. Understanding the dynamics of these structures is vital, not only for efficient disaster management but also for navigating the ethical complexities that often arise during or after a crisis. This paper delves into how these organizational frameworks significantly influence ethical decision-making in the wake of a disaster. Specifically, we will explore how these structures can either streamline and enable ethical responses, or conversely, present barriers and challenges that must be adeptly managed to ensure an ethically sound approach to disaster management. By examining these dynamics, we aim to shed light on the critical relationship between organizational structures, ethical considerations, and effective disaster response, emphasizing the need for a robust ethical foundation in disaster management practices. Organizational Structure in Crisis Management In the realm of disaster response and emergency management, having a well-defined organizational structure is fundamental for effectively coordinating actions and responses during crises. The Emergency Management system serves as the overarching framework, involving multiple levels of government and non-governmental organizations. At the core of this system is the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), a central hub where key stakeholders converge to oversee and coordinate response efforts. The EOC functions as the nerve center for information sharing, decision-making, resource allocation, and communication during a crisis. Key roles within the EOC include the EOC Director, responsible for overall coordination, and various 2

Section Chiefs overseeing functions like operations, planning, logistics, and finance. This systematic approach ensures that all aspects of disaster response are adequately addressed, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in managing the crisis. The Incident Command System (ICS), a methodical tool for command, control, and coordination of an emergency response, enables agencies to collaborate using standard operating procedures and terminology for managing personnel, facilities, equipment, and communications at a single incident scene (Ang- Olson & Latoski, 2006). It typically includes positions like the Incident Commander, who holds overall authority, and various Section Chiefs overseeing specific functional areas such as Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance. This standardized structure ensures effective communication, coordination, and the efficient use of resources during an incident. Ethical Decision-Making in Disaster Response The organizational structure within emergency management and the Incident Command System plays a pivotal role in shaping ethical decision-making during and after disaster operations. A well-defined structure with clear roles and responsibilities can significantly aid in ethical decision-making. When each team member understands their role and its ethical implications, it fosters a culture of accountability and responsible action. In contrast, a poorly defined or ambiguous organizational structure can hinder ethical decision-making. Unclear roles may lead to confusion, and individuals may hesitate to take necessary ethical actions due to uncertainty or fear of overstepping boundaries. On the business side of ethics, a manager or business owner who behaves unethically risks losing the respect of their staff; if a company's lack of ethics is made public, the company loses credibility; and a lack of ethics has a negative impact on employee performance (Zeiger, 2019). The same can be said for that of the hierarchical structure within emergency management. When an organization loses the respect of 3

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its community, it is hard to gain it again. Hierarchical structures can sometimes stifle the voices of those lower in rank, making it challenging for ethical concerns to be appropriately addressed and communicated. Moreover, the organizational culture within these structures greatly influences ethical decision-making. A culture that prioritizes ethical behavior and encourages open communication can lead to a more ethical response. Conversely, a culture that overlooks or downplays ethics may inadvertently discourage individuals from raising ethical concerns, allowing unethical decisions to prevail. Professionals in emergency management have a duty of care that necessitates a thorough, critical decision-making procedure based on ethical consideration (FEMA, n.d.). To promote ethical decision-making, organizations within emergency management should emphasize clear role definitions, provide ethical guidelines and training, and foster a culture where ethical concerns can be freely voiced and addressed. By doing so, they can ensure that ethical considerations are an integral part of disaster response, contributing to more effective and responsible actions in times of crisis. Mission Statement for an Ethical Emergency Management Program Our Emergency Management Program is firmly committed to upholding ethical principles and maintaining the highest standards of integrity in every aspect of disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. We recognize that ethical conduct is fundamental to achieving our goals of safeguarding lives, protecting assets, and preserving the environment. Our organizational structure places great emphasis on transparency, accountability, and responsibility. This is achieved through clear delineation of roles and responsibilities, promoting a culture of open communication and collaboration. In times of crisis, this well-defined organizational structure becomes crucial. It helps in efficient decision-making by ensuring that ethical considerations are at the forefront. Disasters 4

present particular and unusual problems and put people in strange situations; as a result, ethical concerns frequently come to the forefront of the management of such a wide range of constantly shifting circumstances (Aung et al., 2017). The roles and responsibilities established within our Emergency Operations Center and the Incident Command System hierarchy guide ethical decision-making during disaster operations. For instance, decision-makers at various levels are equipped to consider the ethical implications of their choices, prioritizing actions that are in the best interest of the affected community and align with our ethical mission. Furthermore, this organizational structure discourages unethical conduct. With well-established chains of command and accountability, individuals are deterred from engaging in actions that could compromise ethics or exploit the situation for personal gain. Our program is built on the understanding that ethical behavior is not just an expectation but a fundamental requirement. By embedding these principles in our mission statement and integrating them into our operational processes, we create a resilient ethical framework that stands as a bulwark against potential ethical dilemmas. This approach ensures that our Emergency Management program not only responds effectively to disasters but does so with the utmost ethical integrity. Conclusion In conclusion, organizational structures, like those in Emergency Management and the Incident Command System (ICS), are critical in disaster response. They define roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes, influencing ethical considerations during and after a crisis. A clear and defined structure promotes ethical behavior, fostering a culture of accountability and responsible action. Conversely, ambiguous or hierarchical structures can hinder ethical decision-making. The organizational culture within these frameworks significantly 5

impacts ethical responses, emphasizing the need for a strong ethical foundation in disaster management practices. Our Emergency Management Program is committed to upholding ethical principles, ensuring ethical conduct at every stage of disaster management. By embedding these principles in our mission statement and integrating them into our operational processes, we create a resilient ethical framework that stands as a bulwark against potential ethical dilemmas. This approach ensures that our program not only responds effectively to disasters but does so with the utmost ethical integrity. 6

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References Ang-Olson, J., & Latoski, S. (2006, February). FHWA Office of Operations - Simplified guide to the Incident Command System for transportation professionals . https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/ics_guide/ Aung, K., Rahman, N. ’. A., Nurumal, M. S., & Ahayalimudin, N. ‘. (2017). Ethical disaster or natural disaster? Importance of ethical issue in disaster management. IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science , 06 (02), 90–93. https://doi.org/10.9790/1959-0602079093 FEMA. (n.d.). Code of Ethics and Professional Standards of Conduct for Emergency Management Professionals . FEMA Training. https://training.fema.gov/hiedu/specialinterest/docs/code_of_ethics_and_appendices_202 2_final.pdf Zeiger, S. (2019, March 11). Effects of a lack of ethics on a business environment . Small Business - Chron.com. https://smallbusiness.chron.com/effects-lack-ethics-business- environment-23332.html 7

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