Information sharing behaviors in text-based communication during emergency response

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.0731

Keywords:

emergency response team, text-based communication, information sharing, team situation awareness

Abstract

Emergency response teams consist of highly experienced professionals who must effectively communicate to respond to crisis situations characterized by high levels of uncertainty and complexity. Although the existing literatures on team collaboration and information processing are well established, research examining team information sharing through text-based communication technology facing emergency situations is limited. With the increasing complex nature of emergency response situations, emergency response organizations are likely to introduce new technologies to address such events. In this paper, we examine text-based information sharing behaviors related to team situation awareness in a simulated fire-rescue operation of 62 teams. We elaborate on different types of information sharing behaviors and identify a typology and linguistic features as well as differences between high- and low-performing teams in the occurrence of team situational information sharing behaviors. We conclude by discussing implications for emergency response teams and implications for future research avenues.

Author Biographies

Kristin Weger, PhD

Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabama

Vineetha Menon, PhD

Department of Computer Science, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabama

Angela Hollingsworth, DNP, RN, CEN, NEA-BC

Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, Nursing Administration Coordination, College of Nursing, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabama

Harald Schaub, PhD

Professor, Department of General Psychology and Methodology, Otto-Friedrich University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany

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Published

11/01/2022

How to Cite

Weger, PhD, K., V. Menon, PhD, A. Hollingsworth, DNP, RN, CEN, NEA-BC, and H. Schaub, PhD. “Information Sharing Behaviors in Text-Based Communication During Emergency Response”. Journal of Emergency Management, vol. 20, no. 6, Nov. 2022, pp. 499-16, doi:10.5055/jem.0731.