Disaster Cross‐Sector Collaboration Networks: Evidence from Four Historical Disasters

ABSTRACT By conducting content analysis and social network analysis of media coverage of four historical disasters (i.e., the 2011 Joplin Tornado, 2013 Moore Tornado, 2017 Hurricane Harvey, and the 2023 Maui wildfire), this study uncovered characteristics of cross‐sector disaster collaboration networks. Findings showcase common patterns of network structure, centralization, brokerage roles and disaster tasks by horizontal social sectors (government, nonprofit, faith‐based, and private) and vertical geographic regions (local, state, national) across the four disasters. Results identify important actors and indicate areas where disaster roles and tasks overlap, as well as areas that are overlooked. By providing some generalizations and implications in terms of roles and task capabilities of each sector and region, and the specific gaps that emergent disaster groups could fill, this multi‐hazard study could help researchers and emergency managers optimize disaster response and recovery efforts.