When Katrina hit, chief of FEMA Michael Brown was irresponsible and lack-luster in his response and his knowledge of emergency management. Being a dedicated part of the Hurricane Katrina relief effort I’ve seen families battle over the issuing of trailers. I’ve met people who have received trailers with intoxicating levels of formaldehyde. I’ve met the people who didn’t have drinking water for days. It baffles me that a governmental agency designed to aid those affected by natural disasters does not have moral standards, common practices, and integral internal and external communication.

Perhaps this lack of knowledge communication proves your previous blog (on Knowledge Management) right. Knowledge and sharing knowledge can make or break a company – or in FEMA’s case completely destroy their reputation. It’s important to use knowledgeable employee assets especially in natural disasters.

You’re absolutely right. The problem with FEMA and the Bush administration is their lack of transparency. It’s difficult for the American people and the victims of disaster to know what’s really going on behind closed doors, and to determine if the decisions being made are, in fact, good for them. In both cases, the leaders of our nation and its federal agencies need to reassess their roles and objectives. They are not fulfilling their duties by deceiving the American public.