Abstract

Emergency incidents interrupt socio-economic systems and cause significant loss of human life and property. To date, there is a dearth of empirical research that investigates the key organizational capabilities that impact incident response outcomes. Through the lens of capability literature, we identify and contend that information systems capabilities and human capabilities jointly determine response functional competency, which in turn shapes the response process performance. Further we identify the major sources of these two important response capabilities. We validate the research model using survey data that is collected from 119 fire chiefs and find strong support to the research model. The current study confirms the imperative roles of information systems capabilities and human capabilities and it therefore contributes to the emergency response literature. Findings that are reported also help incident response organizations to prioritize their investment and training resources on interoperable communication systems, resource management systems, teamwork, and stress resistance.

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