Identifying the Effective Indicators of Knowledge Management for the Management of Natural Disasters in Iran

In recent years, the world has seen an increase in catastrophic events. One important challenge for the countries is their vulnerability to natural disasters. The present study aims to identify and explain the effective indicators of knowledge management for the management of natural disasters in Iran.

This is a descriptive survey study (qualitative/quantitative). Participants were the members of the crisis headquarters in Mazandaran Province and the experts in urban crisis management (n=50). Library method was used to assess theoretical foundations, definitions and concepts. To collect information, a researcher-made questionnaire was used whose validity and reliability were confirmed using content validity and test-re-test method, respectively. The collected data were described using descriptive statistics in SPSS software, version 22.

The results confirmed the role of knowledge management in three domains: Crisis management process, the specialized equipment for rescue operations, and factors influencing crisis management. The coefficient of importance for each component was calculated separately. The total score was 327 for the crisis management process, 386 for the specialized equipment for rescue operations, and 468 for factors influencing crisis management.

In evaluating the role of knowledge management in management of natural disasters in Iran, its impact on the factors influencing crisis management is more important than the impact on crisis management process and the specialized equipment for rescue operations. Knowledge management can play a vital role by ensuring the availability and access to accurate and reliable information about disasters and through effective education.