| This study examined nongovernment organizations involved in international relief operations. The research focused on how U.S. relief organizations manage their communication systems and investigated the causes of information breakdowns. Three forms of survey were used for this study: personal interviews, telephone interviews, and mail surveys, all utilizing the questionnaire. Out of 34 relief agencies contacted 13 responded to the questionnaire. The study found that a vacuum exists in the area of interagency coordination, that standardized communications are not in place, and that problems between U.S. agencies and the host country can be a major stumbling block to communication and cooperation. The greatest cause of communication breakdown is poor management. |
