A tabletop exercise is a structured, discussion-based session where team members gather to discuss and work through a hypothetical emergency or crisis scenario. Think of it like a collaborative storytelling and problem-solving workshop.
IMPORTANT → In contrast, a simulation is a more immersive, action-oriented experience that closely mimics real-world conditions.
A) Evaluating communication protocols: This is typically a PRIMARY focus of tabletop exercises. Effective communication under stress is critical during incident response. Teams simulate information sharing, decision escalation, and cross-functional coordination to identify potential communication breakdowns.
B) Simulating decision-making processes under pressure: Another CORE objective of these exercises. Organizations deliberately create high-stress scenarios to test how leadership and team members make complex decisions when time is limited and stakes are high.
C) Identifying gaps in incident response strategy: This is CENTRAL to the purpose of tabletop exercises. Teams meticulously map out their current response protocols, deliberately introducing scenario complications to reveal strategic weaknesses.
D) Assessing physical resilience of infrastructure and equipment: This aspect is TYPICALLY THE LEAST EMPHASIZED during tabletop exercises.