The cultural context of emergencies: Seeking for a(n) holistic approach on disaster management

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the level of co‐operation among organisations with different backgrounds, professional and regulatory relations and self‐perceptions for the purpose of efficiently managing a disaster.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical concept of this paper is presented within the organisational framework of risk perception and culture, and the interrelation among the involved parties. It will be enriched with cultural theory and the social construction of risk perception, along with the classification of organisations, according to their tasks and structure, proposed by the Disaster Research Center (DRC). In addition, issues on blame, secrecy, decision making and authority, communication, and training involved in the respective cultural context, are examined as the main causes that may prevent a(n) holistic approach to emergency management. On the other hand, the practical element of this study involves a case study analysis of the King's Cross Underground fire, in 1987. The outcome of operations and the 31 casualties reveal the cultural diversity among the involved agents in the managing of the respective disaster. The issue on “symbolic interaction” among agents may determine the institutional position of society during a disaster.

Findings

This paper stresses the potential for isomorphic learning as the most significant issue on the cultural context of organisations, during emergency operations.

Practical implications

In this sense, future practice should embrace the concept of isomorphic learning, within the cultural context of organisations; additional efforts should focus on the mutual exchange of information, resources and personnel among organisations, prior to a disaster.

Originality/value

Finally, this paper offers insight to organizations, in order to reduce the impact of cultural differences among them and enhance the issue of co‐ordination, during emergencies; it may serve the purpose of reducing human casualties, by supporting a(n) holistic approach on disaster management.

Citation

Rozakis, M. (2007), "The cultural context of emergencies: Seeking for a(n) holistic approach on disaster management", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 16 No. 2, pp. 201-209. https://doi.org/10.1108/09653560710739522