<scp>NGO</scp> Decision‐Making During Typhoon Disaster Response: Towards a Relational Approach

ABSTRACT 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.