Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this research was to further an understanding of how the federal government is addressing the challenges of interoperability for emergency response or crisis management (FEMA, 2009) by informing the development of standards through the review of current congressional law, commissions, studies, executive orders, and committee reports. The unit of analysis was interoperability as a multidimensional challenge for emergency response during a hurricane crisis. Theoretical Framework. The theoretical framework evolved from the garbage can theory, loose coupling theory, terror management theory, Dempster-Shafer theory, and the symbolic use of politics. Methodology. The study was developed in three phases: Phase I, the review of the literature, identified the widespread and common problems surrounding lack of interoperability for emergency response. A content analysis and archival database was created to host data in regards to emergency response and interoperability. Phase II identified assessments, reports, and records to explore the challenges due to the lack of interoperability. Phase III involved research and a determination of the current methodologies and applications useful to study archival data. The researcher came across two essential techniques: Yin's (1993, 2008) Pattern Matching Analysis and Neuendorf's (2002, 2006) Content Analysis by Levels of Applicability. The third phase was the selection and examination of these methodological approaches to merge the propositions of the most problematic interoperability implementation challenges for emergency response. Findings. Interoperability is and will continue to be a multidimensional challenge for emergency response, unless parameters such as a nationally funded mandated policy, education, training, and assessments are in placed to foster interoperability practices across all states. Conclusions and Recommendations. Research is recommended to study if the same findings or challenges due to the lack of interoperability are manifested for emergency response during an earthquake, tornado, tsunami, or manmade crisis such as terrorists' attacks and oil spills. Also recommended is an assessment of the professional knowledge base and level public administrators possess in the area of IT management, theory, and practice.