This study explored and described the critical seven days surrounding Hurricane Katrina's landfall on August 29, 2005 in New Orleans. Using narrative analysis, positioning theory, and grounded theory, this research examined the communications among Mayor Nagin, Governor Blanco, FEMA's Under Secretary Brown, the Department of Homeland Security’s Secretary Chertoff, and President G. W. Bush. The goals were to: 1) document the points of disruption and problems with effective information sharing by looking at positioning systems, narratives, and discourse; 2) review conflict resolution scholars who offer relevant conflict analysis and resolution formats; 3) develop a conceptual model for intervention to shift positioning systems to address the communications disruptions and ineffective information sharing to promote effective emergency response; and, 4) blend the emergency management and conflict management fields to better serve the public. Conflict analysis and resolution is firmly positioned in emergency management. The research will enable future disaster managers to accept a new model for better coordinated emergency management response operations.
Data were collected from multiple sources: all communications in writing or captured by electronic media (press conferences, radio, TV, interviews, etc.), by Nagin, Blanco, Brown, Chertoff, and Bush relevant to disaster management during the crucial seven days surrounding Katrina’s landfall. Also included are congressional testimony, third-person accounts, memoirs, blogs, emails, personal notes, in person interviews, documentaries, newspaper, magazine, and journal articles, and other dissertations.
This researcher proposes an Ombuds as the conceptual model to assist the key disaster officials onsite during the crisis phase. Through narrative analysis and positioning theory, the Ombuds promotes professional interpersonal dynamics, collaboration, and high quality decision making. The Ombuds is expected to facilitate successful communication and process, build a culture of respect, establish him/herself as neutral, and assiduously identify problems and resolutions. This includes identifying conflicting narratives. Potential contenders for the Ombuds’ role have been put forth as well as educational requirements. A standard operating procedure requiring that an Ombuds be included in the management of large scale disasters could improve future emergency response activities.