The evolving role of the public sector in managing catastrophic disasters - Lessons learned

    Authors

    N. Kapucu;M. Van Wart

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Adm. Soc.

    Keywords

    catastrophic disasters; disaster management; September 11; 2004; hurricanes; Hurricane Katrina; crisis leadership; decision making; Public Administration

    Abstract

    This article focuses on the emerging role of the public rector in dealing with catastrophic disasters. An empirical analysis of the 911 1 response operations provides a detailed case study with an eye to its implications for not only emergency management practice but public Policy as well. The "horde of hurricanes" inundating Florida in 2004 provides a brief example of a "routine" disaster for comparative purposes. The argument is made that the response to the extreme event of 9/11 provides clear evidence of (a) the different standards expected of the public sector in the 21st century and (b) the fundamental difference in kind between routine disasters and catastrophic disasters. The article states that the public increasingly expects better public sector leadership before, during, and after catastrophic disasters than has been seen in the past. High standards of responsiveness and the ubiquitous media compel public leaders to coordinate resources effectively.

    Journal Title

    Administration & Society

    Volume

    38

    Issue/Number

    3

    Publication Date

    1-1-2006

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    279

    Last Page

    308

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000238260600001

    ISSN

    0095-3997

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