Collaboration in humanitarian logistics: comparative analysis of disaster response in Chile and Haiti 2010

Abstract

The objective of this project is to examine the relationships that occur during collaboration and cooperation amongst multiple agents (government, military, nongovernmental) in the immediate aftermath of major natural catastrophes requiring the deployment of extensive humanitarian relief efforts. Specifically, the process of collaboration and the formation of interagency relationships and the effect on the humanitarian supply chain's efficiency in providing aid immediately in devastated areas and the creation of positive social relationships that spur the process of healing and recovery amongst local populations and aid providers. Furthermore, with military organizations having an increasing role in providing aid, and the involvement of nongovernmental organizations as specialists in disaster relief, these relationships have a large effect on the ability and success of a humanitarian operation in providing relief efficiently in terms of time, money and lives. Often the same conflicts reoccur resulting in wasted efforts of "reinventing the wheel" and protecting organizational interests instead of expending energies in providing aid.