Identification and Analysis of Obstacles to the Formation of Cooperation Based on Public Participation in Simultaneous Crises Using Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping and Multi-Objective Modeling

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Professor, Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Business and Economics, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran.

3 Ph.D. Student, Department of Industrial Management, Kish Campus, University of Tehran, Kish, Iran.

10.48308/jimp.15.2.9

Abstract

Objective: The occurrence of simultaneous disasters, whether natural or human-made, poses significant challenges for governments, which often cannot provide rapid and effective relief due to resource limitations, logistical problems, and the large scale of these events. In such situations, cooperation and public participation play a fundamental role. However, public engagement in relief efforts faces numerous obstacles that limit the efficiency and effectiveness of these efforts. This study aims to identify these obstacles and then propose effective solutions and strategies to enhance public participation in disaster relief. By focusing on identifying and overcoming these barriers, the goal of the study is to present a roadmap for improving community involvement in crisis management.
 
Method: This research uses multiple methods to analyze the obstacles to public participation in disaster relief. First, the obstacles are identified and categorized, and the fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) method is used to analyze them, which provides a visual representation of the complex interactions among different obstacles. This method helps to more accurately understand the relationships between different factors and their effects on public participation in relief efforts. After identifying the obstacles, to select effective strategies for promoting public participation, a combination of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and multi-objective modeling is used. To solve the multi-objective model, the epsilon constraint method and Gems software are employed to select optimal strategies for addressing the identified barriers.
Findings: Through a comprehensive literature review and expert interviews, 30 main obstacles were identified and categorized into four general groups: individual capabilities and personality traits, process-related factors, cultural factors, and infrastructural factors. The findings show that the most significant obstacles to public participation in disaster relief are as follows: Low public education regarding relief and disaster preparedness, which leads to public unawareness of how to react during crises; Poor coordination between governments, NGOs, and provinces due to differing objectives and missions, which prevents the formation of an effective relief network; Lack of trust between the public and authorities, which leads to reduced public willingness to participate in relief efforts and reduces their effectiveness; and Inadequate infrastructure, including problems in communication and information technology, which disrupts the flow of information during crises and reduces the efficiency of relief operations.
Conclusion: To enhance cooperation based on public participation in relief efforts, this study proposes that strategies should focus on three main areas: empowerment, infrastructure, and culture. Empowerment strategies, such as developing public education programs on disaster preparedness and relief, are particularly important for increasing awareness and public engagement. In the area of infrastructure, efforts should focus on strengthening information technology infrastructure, improving communication networks, and providing financial and governmental support to facilitate relief operations. From a cultural perspective, promoting relief values and fostering a culture of social responsibility should be prioritized, with municipalities and organizations such as the Red Crescent Society playing a leadership role in this regard. By focusing on these three areas, public participation can be effectively increased, helping to improve response capabilities and resilience in the face of crises.

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Main Subjects


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