The role of information sharing, swift trust and collaboration during the delivery of food to disaster victims

Purpose This paper aims to explore the role of information sharing, swift trust and collaboration as critical success factors for distributing food parcels in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach Generic cross-sectional qualitative research was conducted through semi-structured interviews among South African humanitarian relief organisations (HROs). Interviews focused on exploring the roles of information sharing, swift trust and collaboration between HROs and other stakeholders when distributing food parcels during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings The researchers found that HROs identified the disaster victims and determined their needs through a needs assessment. HROs planned their responses respectively. The planning process involved information sharing with other humanitarian supply chain (HSC) stakeholders, whose responses met expectations. This led to swift trust development and stakeholder commitment in the HSC, fostering collaboration that positively impacted food distribution to beneficiaries. In some cases, information sharing did not result in an expected behaviour. In these cases, the nature of information sharing changed, and relationships with the involved HSC stakeholders were not built on trust. Practical implications HROs can improve future disaster preparedness by understanding the role of information sharing, swift trust and collaboration in HSCs and how these factors apply to their relationships with stakeholders. They can build on relationships where trust has been developed, respond better to current disasters and enhance preparedness for future disasters. HROs can also be better prepared to manage relationships with stakeholders where trust is lacking. Originality/value Information sharing, swift trust and collaboration are critical success factors in disaster management. Based on current research, there is very little evidence of the correlation between these factors from an HSC perspective, especially during a disaster like the COVID-19 pandemic. This research addresses this research gap from the context of an emerging country and builds on the commitment-trust theory and existing frameworks that incorporate these factors. The research findings can be used to improve information sharing, trust and collaboration between humanitarian stakeholders to prepare for future disasters.