MANAGING ENVIRONMENTAL UNCERTAINTY WITH LEGITIMATE AUTHORITY - A COMPARATIVE-ANALYSIS OF THE MANN GULCH AND STORM KING MOUNTAIN FIRES

This paper uses the Mann Gulch and Storm King Mountain fire disasters as a beginning point to analyze organizational crises. Several of the human factors that contributed to both disasters are identified, and t he point is made that similar factors most likely contribute to other organizational crises. ft is argued that the lack of legitimate author ity impaired the crews' ability to overcame disaster. Underlying this is a lack of common experience, communication, and interaction. Based on this analysis of the Mann Gulch and Storm King Mountain fires, prac tical recommendations for enhancing organizations' ability to effectiv ely cope with crisis and environmental uncertainty are offered.