Crisis Communications Response among Yemeni Security Sector Institutions: Efficiency and Assessments by Employees

Abstract

This study examines the role and means of communication in crisis management. It is particularly focused on types, methods, and tools utilized in crisis management in the Yemeni security sector. In this study, 143 employees of security sector operation rooms were surveyed. The responses measure the extent of efficiency of communications during the response phase, as well as indicate the types, methods, and means of contact, and identify obstacles to communication and proposals to overcome these hindrances and activate communication. Preparedness was found to be positively correlated with effective communication from the senior leadership to executive level. The most effective modes of communication occur directly between department heads via oral communication and the dial (wire line, mobile phone, fax, wireless network connections). However, obstacles to effective communication often include a lack of interest in updating the communication devices. The results showed that the lack of communication plays an important factor in the current situation of crisis in security sector. Accordingly, the most important proposals to activate the role of communication in the security crisis management include: fast implementation of the communication process, availability of modern communication devices, and availability of the necessary tools for communication during crisis management.