Table 3 Differences between two nations

Cultural

Main language

Dutch

German

Cultural differences

Small power distance, informal, flexible, modest, individualistic

Big power distance, formal, inflexible, strict, collectivistic-committed to institutional structure

Technological

Flood information systems

1. PoldEvac,

1. HZG,

2. Hoogwater InformatieSysteem (HIS),

2. X-border GDI,

3. Geautomatiseerd Draaiboek Hoogwater (GDH),

3. Deichinformationssystem,

5. POIRE,

4. HOWISS,

6. SHERPA

5. COBRA,

6. DISMA

Institutional

Institutional structure

Decentralized relief agencies with high autonomy

Centralized relief agencies, moderate autonomy

Government standards for IS development

NORA

INSPIRE

Disaster classification and coordination structure

GRIP structure containing four levels, flood is immediately GRIP 4 (highest level)

Stuffe structure (1,2,3)