Applied improvisation training for disaster readiness and response: Preparing humanitarian workers and communities for the unexpected
Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management
ISSN: 2042-6747
Article publication date: 7 April 2015
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce applied improvisation (AI) as a tool for training humanitarian aid workers. AI incorporates principles and practices from improvisational theatre into facilitation and training. It is an excellent modality for training aid workers to deal with crisis and disaster scenarios where decision-making and collaboration under pressure are critical.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper provides a theoretical base for understanding skills needed in disaster response and provides a case for innovative training that goes beyond the current standard. AI principles, activities and case examples are provided. Interviews with development experts who have participated in AI training are excerpted to reveal the impact and promise of this methodology.
Findings
Different from typical training and games, which simulate potential crisis scenarios, AI works with participants in developing the skills necessary for success in disaster situations. The benefit is that workers are better prepared for the unexpected and unknown when they encounter it.
Research limitations/implications
The current paper is based on author observation, experience and participant interviews. While AI is consistently transformative and successful, it would benefit from more rigorous and structured research to ground the findings more deeply in larger evidence based processes.
Practical implications
The authors offer specific activities, resources for many others and practical application of this modality for training purposes.
Social implications
Its application has tremendous benefits in training for specific skills, in creating greater cohesion and satisfaction in work units and breaking down culture and language barriers.
Originality/value
This work is original in introducing these training methods to humanitarian aid contexts in general, and disaster preparedness and response in particular.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Pablo Suarez for his personal and professional interest in Applied Improvization and for spending his time joining our world and inviting us into his. The authors would like to thank the colleagues in the Applied Improvization Network for creating such an inspiring and collaborative learning community and the colleagues who were willing to be interviewed for this article: Steve Goudswaard, Kristin Hibler, Pauline Klaassen, Lorina McAdam and Murray Millar. Lastly, the authors would like to thank each other for the joy of collaboration and bringing the principles of improv to life in every venture.
Citation
Tint, B.S., McWaters, V. and van Driel, R. (2015), "Applied improvisation training for disaster readiness and response: Preparing humanitarian workers and communities for the unexpected", Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Vol. 5 No. 1, pp. 73-94. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHLSCM-12-2013-0043
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited