NGO Decision-Making During Typhoon Disaster Response: Towards a Relational Approach

This paper examines the decision-making processes of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) during Typhoon Odette (Rai) in Palawan, Philippines. The typhoon, which struck during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbated vulnerabilities in the province, leading to the destruction of homes and livelihoods, disruptions in education, fatalities and damage to critical infrastructure. Focusing on a health- and development-centred NGO, the qualitative case study draws from phenomenological approaches to decision-making and studies that emphasise relational ontologies. The discussion employs a framework that categorises decision-making into three types of processes that underscore the latter's entangled nature: ‘knot’ represents situations of confusion and desperation and where there is a lack of clarity on how to proceed. ‘Friction’ involves decision-making processes in which more-than-human forces impede the realisation of a clear path forward. Lastly, ‘flow’ signifies alignment of various dimensions, thereby facilitating ease in decision-making. The findings reveal that the NGO's decision-making during Typhoon Odette was dynamic, transitioning between knot, friction and flow. The study concludes with recommendations for NGOs, emphasising the importance of supporting decision-making flow and reducing avoidable friction and knots. The research contributes to understanding the complexities of NGO decision-making in disaster contexts, highlighting the need for flexible organisational models and transparent approaches.