Cross-Boundary Information Sharing By Knowledge Brokers During A Disaster

Abstract

This thesis explores and investigates the process of cross-boundary information sharing by knowledge brokers (KB) during a disaster using lenses of knowledge management and naturalistic decision making.

The study integrated interpretivist and positivist stances, conducted using qualitative methods. It used a multiple case embedded research design and in-depth face-to-face interviews as the method of inquiry and an inductive process of theory generation. The cases were in the context of disasters that occurred in New Zealand. The unit of analysis was the scenarios that KB experienced during disasters.

Based on a four stage analysis of the data, there were two phases that KB went through in assessing the veracity of the information they received and deciding to whom the information is relevant. In each phase, KB were relying on different cognitive resources to filter and to match the information. It was also found that there were different types of boundary, information and disasters. Interestingly, it was found that KB used different tactics to make the decision on the information’s veracity and to whom it is relevant.

The primary contribution of this thesis is the generation and explanation of the theoretical model of cross-boundary information sharing by KB during a disaster. This theory can also be used by practitioners as a guide to improve disaster management training and for the community to prepare stronger resilience plans.