| This research examines the problem of intergovernmental coordination, learning, and adaptation to reduce vulnerability of local communities to seismic risk. It explores what factors contribute and what factors inhibit intergovernmental coordination and timely action, as well as self-adaptation in response to disasters. The theoretical framework draws on the literature in organizational learning theory, complex adaptive systems theory, and a sociotechnical disaster response model. The research applies this framework to study five seismic response and recovery operations following the 1992 Erzincan, the 1995 Dinar/Afyon, the 1998 Ceyhan/Adana, the 1999 Marmara, and the 1999 Duzce Earthquakes.; Turkey's exposure to seismic risk is very high and achieving intergovernmental coordination is a challenge. Linear public policies inhibit timely collective action in complex disaster environments. The system level integration of organizations from different jurisdictions and societal sectors is critical for timely and coordinated collective response. The research uses data from content analyses of news reports and compares each informal seismic response system with the formal one by using UCINET 6.0, network analysis software. The results of the network analyses have shown that there is a gap between each informal disaster response system and contemporary formal disaster response system. Moreover, the formal system is ineffective in integrating organizations from different jurisdictions and societal sectors.; The research used both qualitative and quantitative research methods to evaluate the level of self-adaptation revealed for each response system by using the data from 81 semi-structured interviews, content analysis of news reports, on-site observations, post-disaster critiques, review of official reports, related laws and regulations. The study has found that the 1992 Erzincan, the 1995 Dinar/Afyon, the 1998 Ceyhan/Adana, and the 1999 Marmara seismic response operations have revealed the characteristics of an emergent adaptive system. The organizational learning following the 1999 Marmara Earthquake has resulted in an operative adaptive seismic response system.; Establishing a complex adaptive system that can adapt to the changing conditions upon accurate and timely information requires sufficient organizational, technical, and cultural capacities. The availability of information, its exchange and distribution within and among organizational actors facilitate or hinder self-adaptation during seismic response operations. Organizational flexibility supported by sufficient information infrastructure provides necessary interactions and information flows. However, cultural openness to information search, exchange and collaboration is a key and needs to receive support of political and bureaucratic leaders. |
