Efficiency in Emergency: A Perception Study of Hierarchical Versus Flat Organizational Structures for Joint Disaster Response in the Bay of Bengal Region

Introduction L arge-scale disasters have far-reaching impacts that transcend national borders, making a coordinated, “one region-one response” approach essential, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bay of Bengal region has recognized this need and is actively developing structures for regional cooperation, including in disaster management. However, there is a pressing need for a structural framework that enables a coordinated, multilateral, and regional response through the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).To this end, this study analyzes the benefits of flat structures over hierarchical structures in the dynamic management of disaster response when various responders, including government officials, military, NGOs, volunteers, and the community, must quickly engage, pass information, take decisions, coordinate, and collaborate to work efficiently in the chaotic post-disaster environment. A structured questionnaire was administered to a stratified sample of 127 respondents, and the resulting quantitative data suggests that information management and coordination, initiative and quick decisions, and adaptability and flexibility are key enablers of effective disaster response. Emerging acceptance trends also indicate that flat structures are more beneficial than hierarchical structures.While accountability, value addition at each level, and conflict resolution were noted as major benefits of hierarchical structures, responders across strata indicated that these factors are not a priority in a disaster response scenario. The study's recommendations cater to the differing aspirations of all strata of stakeholders and should assist in creating an optimal regional disaster response structure for the Bay of Bengal region. By highlighting the importance of a coordinated and multilateral approach, this study underscores the urgent need for regional cooperation in disaster management and the potential benefits of flat structures in enabling effective disaster response. The Bay of Bengal region is undergoing structural changes to enhance regional cooperation and implement a coordinated, multilateral disaster response framework through BIMSTEC. This quantitative study aims to evaluate the perceptions of stakeholders towards the benefits of flat organizational structures over hierarchical structures for disaster response management. Findings indicate that information management,