Incident Command System (ICS) Terminology

Accountability

• The process of ensuring that resources and personnel are tracked and held responsible for their tasks.

• A method of evaluating employee performance based on subjective criteria.

• A strategy for increasing productivity by reducing oversight.

• A system for rewarding employees based on their individual achievements.

Chain of Command and Unity of Command

• A clear hierarchy ensures each individual reports to only one supervisor.

• Every employee can report to multiple supervisors for better guidance.

• Unity of command allows for confusion in reporting relationships.

• A flat organizational structure eliminates the need for a chain of command.

Common Terminology

• Standardized words and phrases used across agencies to ensure clear communication.

• Informal language used in casual conversations.

• Technical jargon specific to a particular field.

• Slang terms that vary by region.

Integrated Communications

• A strategy for managing public relations effectively.

• A unified communication plan that allows agencies to effectively share information.

• A method for increasing social media engagement.

• A framework for crisis management in organizations.

Unified Command

• A structure where multiple agencies share decision-making authority in a coordinated response.

• A system where one agency has complete control over all operations.

• A method for agencies to operate independently without coordination.

• A framework for agencies to compete for resources.

Comprehensive Resource Management

• A method for evaluating employee performance.

• A system for tracking, allocating, and organizing personnel and equipment.

• A strategy for increasing company profits.

• A technique for managing customer relationships.

Information and Intelligence Management

• The process of collecting and analyzing data to improve operational efficiency.

• The gathering, analyzing, and sharing of incident-related data to support decision-making.

• A method for enhancing customer satisfaction through feedback analysis.

• The use of technology to automate business processes.

Manageable Span of Control

• The optimal number of personnel a supervisor can effectively manage, typically between 3 and 7.

• The maximum number of employees a supervisor can oversee, usually exceeding 10.

• The ideal number of team members for a project, often around 5 to 15.

• The minimum number of staff required for effective management, generally 2 or fewer.

Establishment and Transfer of Command

• The informal process of assigning a team leader.

• The formal process of assigning or changing the incident commander.

• The process of evaluating team performance.

• The method of reporting incidents to higher authorities.

Modular Organization

• A rigid ICS structure that remains constant regardless of incident needs.

• A flexible ICS structure that expands or contracts based on incident needs.

• A hierarchical ICS structure that limits communication.

• A temporary ICS structure used only for small incidents.