Developing a research framework for complex multi–team coordination in emergency management

This conceptual paper addresses previous calls for the development of new theoretical frameworks to better account for the multi–agency emergency management coordination required in complex events. It uses, as a departure point, a teamwork model that includes four phases: situation assessment; plan formulation, plan execution and team learning. The thesis put forward here is that we need to move the focus of analysis beyond the team to one of multi–layered multiple team and multiple organisation systems. To further develop this research framework indicators from multi–organisational literature are added to those found in the individual and teamwork literature to develop a more comprehensive account of multi–team multi–organisational coordination. The paper identifies key anchor points for future use in data collection.