Global Business and Management Research: An International Journal Vol. 12, No. 1 (2020) 33 Effective Emergency Management: The Roles of Knowledge and Practice of Command Structure for Lead Responding Agencies S. Khairilmizal* School of Health Science, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia. Email: Khairilmizal@usm.my M F Hussin Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Engineering Complex, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia K. Ainul Husna Institute of Medical Science Technology, UniKL, A1-1, Jalan TKS 1, Taman Kajang Sentral, Selangor, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia Haikal Kasri Fire and Rescue Department Malaysia, Lebuh Wawasan, Presint 7, 62250 Putrajaya, Malaysia. A R Hussain PLC International Sdn. Bhd., 45-1, Jalan 2A/27A Section 1, Wangsa Maju, 53200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia AIM Yassin Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Engineering Complex, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia * Corresponding Author Abstract Purpose: to identify the current challenges in the elements of command structure as practiced by the FRDM and suggest improvement which may benefit the overall emergency management process in the country Design/methodology/approach: Through observation of Four (4) disaster exercise at states and federal level using a structured checklist and survey questionnaire towards nationwide decision makers during emergency situations. Both checklist and questionnaire is based on theory of effective disaster management. Findings: three (3) challenges found and some of the knowledge is not been used in real situations. Hence, this study proposed several improvements for lead responding agencies in Malaysia in improving command structure so that the process of response and early recovery phase can be done more effectively. Research limitations/implications: Data only collected from specific respondent group which is the Fire and Rescue Department Malaysia which based on the national policy is one of the lead responding agency during emergency situation in the country.