How can we better prepare for the unpredictable nature of disasters? This research explores the effectiveness of using assessment centers as a developmental tool to enhance disaster management capabilities. It addresses the challenge of limited opportunities for acquiring real-world disaster response experience. The study focuses on the need to develop mental models that can reconcile multiple goals with the collective expertise of responders, specifically communication and decision-making skills. The paper argues that assessment centers can facilitate the development and practice of specific skills, while also promoting tacit knowledge and self-efficacy. This approach is deemed appropriate for cultivating the core disaster management competencies of situational awareness and naturalistic and team **decision making**. The ability to provide multiple, expertly evaluated simulations makes assessment centers a valuable resource for training and development. By advocating for the use of assessment centers, this research offers a practical and effective strategy for enhancing disaster readiness and improving the overall capabilities of disaster management teams. The findings highlight the importance of combining skill-building with the development of mental models to ensure effective responses in high-pressure situations.
Published in Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, this paper directly addresses the journal's focus on enhancing disaster readiness and response. The research offers a practical solution for developing critical disaster management capabilities. The study aligns with the journal's goal of promoting effective strategies for mitigating the impact of disasters.