Reference no: EM132899533

-In reference to the info provided below, please describe Why is it important to maintain close contact with stakeholders and why might it be a problem for emergency management officials to try to establish relationships when a disaster is threatening or underway?

Sincerity: All of the efforts toward a trusting, collaborative culture depend on the degree to which the partners and stakeholders perceive that the efforts are based on a sincere desire to identify and value their ideas and concerns. Effective, collaborative relationships require trust and a feeling that there is a genuine commitment to establishing trust and working together as a team. While groups often go through the "motions" and talk about collaboration, it is the perceived sincerity behind those efforts that can "make or break" a collaborative relationship. What happens when this perception is not present is revealed in the following, very controversial testimony by Albert Ashwood, the President of the National Emergency Management Association during hearings before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on July 31st, 2007: "A perfect example of this attitude [of FEMA] is illustrated in the National Plan Review, which was conducted in 2006. The states were told that this was an opportunity for all levels of government to sit together, review plans, identify shortfalls, and develop a strategy to address those shortfalls, both operationally and financially in the future. This seemed like a wonderful concept, right up until the time the national planning report card was published for each state. The entire exercise seemed to be little more than an opportunity for the federal government to tell the press, "we told you states weren't prepared". Also, consider the National Response Plan, excuse me, the now called National Response Framework, which will be released by DHS in the near future. You will be told this is a national document, developed over many hours of collaboration between all levels of government and all disciplines. Let me be the first to say you should have a shovel nearby when you hear this. I've queried my colleagues at both the state and local level and realize that no one knows what information this document contains and we won't until we read it like everyone else in this room." Without passing judgment on the validity or the propriety of the statements made in the Congressional testimony, the perception of FEMA's lack of good faith and sincerity in its efforts significantly undermined progress toward a truly collaborative and trusting relationship.