Percolation, temporal coherence of information, and crisis prevention

In this paper, we study the potential benefits of using percolation theory and temporal coherence in the domain of emergency management.We argue that the theory of percolation associated with the time coherence of information could be useful in defining efficient organizational patterns for crisis prevention, and we propose a set of six hypotheses to assess the efficiency of an emergency management organization.In order to validate our hypotheses, we explore the organizational patterns that were set up by a company located in Port au Prince, the capital of Haïti, during the 2010 earthquake. This research was done on the basis of interviews of the key people involved in this event.Among the many tasks achieved by the company’s managers and staff to control the situation, we identified the root of that successful management. We argue that this organizational pattern can be analyzed as a percolation process that validates our hypotheses for an efficient management of this critical situation.

► This paper analyzes the roots of a company’s resilience during the 2010 Haïti quake.
► Percolation of information among people favors temporal coherence of information.
► Temporal coherence of information is a key factor for an efficient cooperation.
► Resilience of an organization in chaotic situations mainly depends on cooperation.
► Proposal for six hypotheses ensuring organization’ resilience and crisis prevention.