Lesson 02: Pre-Crisis Planning and Decision-Making Authority (DMA)¶
Lesson overview¶
Clear planning and pre-defined authority are the strongest predictors of effective crisis response.
Key idea¶
The quality of crisis outcomes depends on decisions made before the incident occurs. Organizations must define Decision-Making Authority early.
Why this matters¶
Without DMA, organizations create confusion, delay action, and risk unauthorized responses that escalate harm.
Field context¶
DMA matters in kidnapping, political collapse, medical emergencies, and any scenario where quick, coordinated action is required.
Leader role¶
Leaders must name who has authority, under what conditions, and how that authority communicates with the field.
Team role¶
Field teams should know who holds DMA, who to notify first, and how to execute instructions without second-guessing.
Preparation¶
- Draft a clear DMA policy.
- Create an emergency contact list.
- Establish tertiary communication channels.
Defining DMA¶
DMA should be explicit, documented, and understood by the field team, sending team, and support network.
Step 1: Decide roles and authorities¶
Identify the Crisis Manager, CMT leader, legal lead, security lead, and family care lead.
Step 2: Document the process¶
Record who decides, how decisions are escalated, and how approvals are communicated.
Step 3: Share the plan¶
Distribute the DMA policy to all stakeholders and review it regularly.
Common challenges¶
Many organizations wait until an incident occurs before naming authority. That delay can cost time and safety.
Practical example¶
A ministry creates a DMA decision tree that identifies who manages communications, who approves evacuation, and who liaises with family.
Reflection questions¶
- Who currently holds DMA in your organization?
- What gaps exist in your emergency contact plan?
- How will you test your DMA assumptions?
Summary¶
Pre-crisis planning and clear DMA prevent paralysis. Define authority, document it, and ensure the field understands it.
Next step¶
Write or update your organization’s DMA policy and share it with the crisis leadership team.