The guiding principle of standardization is the one that is directed to the interoperability among organizations in case of an incident.
Explanation:
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is responsible for handling cases of incidents. The primary purposes of this system can be defined as saving lives, protecting the environment, and stabilizing actions during accidents.
In order to reach these aims, the personnel applies components of the NIMS according to “the principles of flexibility, standardization, and unity of effort” (NIMS Guiding Principles).
The principle of flexibility enables NIMS to be adaptable and, consequently, applicable to various incidents that differ in terms of culture, hazard, climate, geography, and organizational authorities.
The principle of the unity of effort coordinates interactive activities between various organizations to reach common goals. It helps organizations that are responsible for specific jurisdictional areas to maintain their original authorities and, simultaneously, support each other.
As for the principle of standardization, it is an essential concept that allows and helps multiple organizations to cooperate in cases of an incident. An ability to control accidents of any type requires standardization and coordination between response personnel and the organizations which deal with each other. NIMS determines standard coordinational structures that improve collaboration and connectivity among organizations.
In addition, NIMS claims standard practices that contribute to the efficient co-working process of incident personnel and boost cohesion between various participating organizations. NIMS also provides general terminology, due to which there is effective communication. Organizations and staff that have implemented this common useful NIMS framework can cooperate in almost any case of emergency.