The Effect of Network Governance on the Elements of Crisis Management during Natural Disasters in Crisis-Related Organizations of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province

Due to the unexpected nature of natural disasters, any mismanagement in dealing with them may lead to more serious crises. However, providing an effective management of disasters and having an immediate control over the situation need the extensive cooperation of public and private organizations and the participation of people in the form of network governance. This study investigates the views of 140 participants, selected from the statistical population of the research using stratified random sampling. The statistical population includes the managers and the representatives of member organizations of 14 workgroups in the Crisis Management Headquarters of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province. The participants were asked about the impact of network governance on the elements of crisis management (prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery). The study has an applied purpose, and the required data were collected through correlational and survey research. With regard to the research background, after drawing the conceptual framework of the research, a questionnaire was designed for the researchers and after obtaining the necessary reliability and validity, data were collected. Then, according to the method of structural equations and factor-analysis using smart pls statistical software, the research hypotheses were tested. After performing the necessary statistical tests, while confirming the research hypotheses, it was found that network governance has a positive relationship with the elements of crisis management. The most effective components of network governance on the elements of crisis management are: prevention (0.78), response (0.75), preparedness (0.74) and recovery (0.62). Therefore, it is necessary to apply the components of network governance as an interactive method of disasters and crises, in the natural disasters of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province. The stages of application are respectively as follows: prevention, response, preparedness and recovery. Moreover, it is suggested to establish a network of coordinated, efficient and effective organizations that have transparency and democracy in decision-making and action. This way, we can achieve network governance, and the crisis management of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province may have the most efficiency.