ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we share lessons learned from extensive interviews with a wide range of participants in this emergency event. We summarize our observations in the context of theoretical work on the dynamics of “complex adaptive organizations.” Our goals are to explicate theories of complex adaptive organizations by grounding them in the concrete events associated with this particular emergency situation. We also provide some practical suggestions that might be useful in preparing for future emergency situations. Section 22.2 will introduce the construct of a complex adaptive organization and will illustrate how this construct applies to the regional emergency response organization. This will be followed in Section 22.3 that considers the implications for coordination and control using Handy’s (1992) recommendations for “federalism” as a general approach for managing complex adaptive organizations.
