Reducing material convergence in disaster environments: The potential of trusted change agents

The research in this paper seeks to advance the effective management of one most intractable aspects disaster response phenomena: material convergence—the sudden and mostly uncoordinated arrival physical donations aftermath large disasters catastrophic events—referred by respondents as a “second-tier disaster.” To do so, analyzes strategic interactions among, incentives presented to, various agents that influence generation convergence, establishing convergence is Collective Action Problem. defines agents’ roles assesses potential demand management. achieve desired switch donation choice investigates use appeals made trusted change agents, i.e., representatives considered survey trustworthy knowledgeable conditions at area. based on unique data, first its kind available researchers, assembled registered donors campaign after Tohoku 2011. As part research, data used to: gain insight into factors donate goods or cash; identify agent(s) ought lead effort; quantify impact from agents; preliminary list key messages should employ their induce supplies cash. show about 21–32% sample would very likely cash if (TCAs) requested them so. Finally, identifies set Operations Management actions complement efforts donor behavior change.