Table 3.

Main organizational theories and future research directions.

(Source Author’s compilation)

Theory	Key articles	Key aspects of the theory	Research gaps and future research directions
Resource dependence theory	Lu et al. (2019), Sapat et al. (2019), Prasad et al. (2018), Pazirandeh and Maghsoudi (2018), Gao and Hafsi (2017), Maghsoudi (2016), Hillman et al. (2009), and Pfeffer and Salancik (1978, 2003)	(1) Organizations are dependent on the external resources and actions and are affected by resource utilization (2) The firm’s ability to gather, alter and deliver useful services or products at faster speed can augment the performance	(1) In the case of disasters, often demand surges and firms have to respond with their existing resource dependency. Technological platforms along with standardization may help to ramp-up agility internally and in coordination with external agencies (Lu et al. 2019) (2) In the interdependencies of firms, a few are more powerful than others (Skipper et al. 2008). Therefore, it may be noteworthy to uncover the influence of power relations to witness the long-term sustainability in post-disaster recovery (Filo et al. 2015)
Contingency theory	Imperiale and Vanclay (2019), Larson and Foropon (2018), Kunz and Gold (2017), Eriksson and McConnell (2011), Nilsson et al. (2010), Glenn Richey Jr (2009), Donaldson (2001), and Cancel et al. (1997)	(1) There are different ways to derive a program for an organization (2) The optimal way of driving an organization and situation depends on a number of factors that are internal as well as external (Kunz and Reiner 2012)	(1) Contingency theory can be viewed from leadership and organizational perspectives (Shepard and Hougland Jr, 1978). Therefore, it is important to compare the influence of leadership versus the organizational capabilities in disaster relief scenarios (2) Disaster relief coordination needs to view multiple internal and external factors. The interplay of capabilities, resources and specific environment strategy may have an impact on coordination in humanitarian operations (Dubey et al. 2018; Rodríguez-Espíndola et al. 2018). Also, agent-based simulation can be used to advance understanding (Altay and Pal 2014) (3) Different organizations have their own handling styles for crises. The government is one of the key players in most scenarios. Hence, it will be interesting to explore the different basic strategies emphasized according to nature, size, and scope (Sousa and Voss 2008) of the disaster and its relation to contingent factors
Behavioral theory	Sankaranarayanan et al. (2018), Jabbour et al. (2019), Liu et al. (2016), Kuligowski (2013), James et al. (2011), Paek et al. (2010), and Petit (1967)	(1) Explanation of an actor’s behavior either in an individual environment or through previous experiences (2) The observation of the subjects in different aspects of tasks in terms of maintaining the relationships, information dissemination and motivation level (Bronfman et al. 2019)	(1) Preparedness for catastrophes helps in mitigating the risk and its impact. The culture and attitude of affected populations play a significant role in emergency preparedness (Appleby-Arnold et al. 2018; Ejeta et al. 2015). Behavioral characteristics differ greatly from the developed to developing worlds. Hence, there is scope to test the relationship among culture, attitude, and governance to prepare the population for emergency situations (Walch 2019). (2) The process, structure, and individuals involved in an organizational framework define the culture (Appleby-Arnold et al. 2018). The multi-dimensional emergency response in a disaster relief situation makes apparent the degree of influence of structure, process, and people on fast recovery
Information processing theory	Sakurai and Murayama (2019), Fan et al. (2017), Oloruntoba et al. (2016), Othman et al. (2014), Altay and Pal (2014), Preece et al. (2013), Cegielski et al. (2012), James (2011), Masten and Obradovic (2008), and Egelhoff and Sen (1992)	(1) It emphasizes the capability of information processing and its requirement by an organization to achieve optimal performance (2) Organizations, programs, and networks need quality information to address the uncertainty and improve decision making (Kovacic and Di Felice 2019)	(1) Decisions in disasters are taken by different actors pre-disaster or during a disaster; operational decisions such as preparedness, awareness, and planning decisions str taken by urban planners, economists, and policymakers to reboot the entire system (González et al. 2018; Altay and Green III, 2006). Hence, the style of information processing and dissemination starting from pre- to post-disaster can be tracked from the view of its impact on recovery. (2) In most disaster response situations multiple religious, secular, and focused organizations participate along with mainstream military operations (Comfort 2007). Communication, swift trust, coordination and control (Dubey et al. 2019c) have become challenging in such situations and hence are a topic for further research
Institutional theory	Toinpre et al. (2018), Gupta et al. (2019), Boin et al. (2016), Dubey et al. (2015), Gao (2011), Harries and Penning-Rowsell (2011), Maldonado et al. (2010), Muller and Whiteman (2009), and DiMaggio and Powell (1983)	(1) The behavior of firms is bounded to isomorphic processes such as mimetic, normative, and coercive (2) Mimetic isomorphism is the resultant of the competitive spirit of a group or firm as it competes with rivals to gain advantage (3) Normative isomorphism is the resultant of self-drive, motivation, and monitoring to keep the leap with current and adapt accordingly (4) Coercive isomorphism is the resultant of pressure to perform from other players and perform within the legal boundaries and follow certain regulatory requirements	(1) The three isomorphisms that may have a great degree of impact on the accomplishment of the objectives of specific HODRM and type of catastrophe can be studied in the future (2) The donors or specific influencers in a particular secular or religious group and their contributions to generating mimetic pressure on other groups can be studied by future researchers (Gupta et al. 2019) (3) Disaster relief laws are instrumental in humanitarian response to natural disasters. (Babiak and Trendafilova 2011). Hence, it may be interesting to explore the situations in which these institutional frameworks act as guides to filter the unauthorized access and fasten the recovery of infrastructure and climate for sustainable living
Social network theory	Tacheva and Simpson (2019), Kim and Hastak (2018), Kapucu and Hu (2016), Houston et al. (2015), Spiekermann et al. (2015), Hamra et al. (2012), Borgatti and Halgin (2011), White et al. (2009), Varda et al. (2009), Suter et al. (2009), Kapucu (2006), Kapusu (2005), Freeman (2004), and Cook and Whitmeyer (1992)	(1) This theory describes the interaction of firms, employees, and stakeholders with each other in that network (2) Social networks are self-organizing and the patterns can be decoded from their structures and levels of interaction. (3) People use social networks to represent their relationships and provide flow and exchange of information with similar interest groups	(1) There is a need to explore the role of network dynamics in relationship development and continuity through trust and goal for the speedy recovery of the affected population (Vasavada 2013) (2) New ways of coordination and new communication technologies may influence the network flexibility to cope with the desired level of humanitarian operations (Skipper et al. 2008) (3) The affected population and different actors consume information on resources and climate forecasts through a social network. There is a lack of studies that focus on how affected populations consume and share information through social networks compared to other sources (Jin et al. 2014)
Transaction cost economics	Cohen (2016), Goldschmidt and Kumar (2016), Ülkü et al. (2015), Shreve and Kelman (2014), Rose and Kustra (2013), Williamson (2008), Cardenas et al. (2007), Ahrens and Rudolph (2006), and Williamson (1979)	(1) Economic exchange within two parties can define the cost of a product (i.e., provider and receiver) (2) The cost of delivery of products or services may rise due to bounded rationality and asymmetric information (3) These costs include the aspects of evaluating a route of delivery and choosing and negotiating with suppliers (4) Transactions can also be viewed from the perspective of the amount of information required to be shared (5) The transaction costs between the two subjects also depend on the organization of transactions and how they are governed through the hierarchy	(1) Along with the government, private players play a significant role in establishing the disaster-hit areas. Therefore, a matrix solution can be developed that supports institutional arrangements and reduces transaction costs (Ahrens and Rudolph 2006) (2) The disaster-hit areas require products and services in the initial period at high demand rate and lower price. Hence, there is an opportunity to develop a low-transaction-cost model for the supply chain in disaster relief situations (3) Emergency procurement for disaster operations has a huge opportunity for corruption and an increase in transaction costs in the entire process (Atkinson and Sapat 2012). Therefore, it will be interesting to record the loopholes in the current mechanism of emergency procurement and insulate it with an appropriate legal framework. Further, its effect on the performance of provided humanitarian aid and the level of satisfaction of affected populations can be studied
Agency theory	Swanson et al. (2017), Prosman et al. (2016), Bendickson et al. (2016), Curnin et al. (2015), Fayezi et al. (2012, Zu and Kaynak (2012, and Eisenhardt (1989)	(1) Out of two parties one (principal) delegates the work/verdict to the other (agent) party (2) (i) Potential conflict can exist between two parties (ii) Each party has its own agenda (iii) Asymmetric information exists between the principal and agent (iv)Agents are usually more risk averse compared to the principal (v) Effectiveness is defined by achieved efficiency	(1) Humanitarian operations distribution echoes the agency system, in which the government quick response system acts as principal and other volunteers as agents (Diedrichs et al. 2016) (2) Most disaster recovery projects are pursued sincerely for a certain period of time post-disaster and then people are left on their own to progress and connect to the original economy. In this case, government officials act a principal and affected people as agents. Hence, there is scope to examine the inline agreement between agents and principals after 2 to 5 years to measure the effectiveness of the HODRM (3) The CSR arm of the corporate works as principal and exert the influence through NGOs in the disaster-hit areas. Therefore, the effectiveness of CSR programs in response to disaster relief can be explored under the dynamics of uncertainty (Hagelsteen and Becker 2019)
Stakeholder theory	Mojtahedi and Oo (2017, Fontainha et al. (2017), McKnight and Linnenluecke (2016), Madsen and Rodgers (2015), Fawcett and Fawcett (2013), Palttala et al. (2012), Freeman (2010), Friedman and Miles (2002), and Freeman and McVea (2001)	(1) The theory argues that the activities of a business should create value for all associated with and impacted by business activities (2) (i) Each stakeholder should have some advantage from the actions taken within organizations (ii) Each stakeholder needs to put effort into the long-term survival of the firm, including top management (iii) There need to be clear rules on who will be, and who cannot be, part of the stakeholder team (iv) The rules that govern the relationship between stakeholders and firm can be amended through unanimous consent	(1) Disaster affects everyone ranging from children to senior citizens. Both children and people 65 + need special attention in terms of healthcare and other daily life requirements (Sloand et al. 2012). Future studies can be conducted to identify post-disaster basic requirements for children, the working population and senior citizens in terms of infrastructure and healthcare and what role different players, ranging from government to private actors, can play in a given timespan (2) Stakeholders’ attitudes toward supporting disaster-hit areas with the help of critical services such as distribution of safe drinking water and availability of basic medicines can play a major role in stabilizing the affected people (Reale and Handmer 2011; Han et al. 2011). Hence, the stakeholder perception of the importance of services will also play a crucial role in defining the plan (3) Governance during disaster and post-disaster play a key role in disseminating critical information that needs to consider all stakeholders including military personnel and volunteers and their belief systems (Papadopoulos et al. 2017; Ahrens and Rudolph 2006)