Dichotomies of disaster management: a reflection on the politics of efficient decision making
Disaster Prevention and Management
ISSN: 0965-3562
Article publication date: 10 June 2019
Issue publication date: 11 September 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the variety of dichotomies related to disaster management with an objective to gain a better understanding of how and when dichotomous thinking can improve disaster management, especially in the discourse of disaster management politics.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a reflective essay that surveys dichotomies from multiple disciplines in respect to their potential contributions to disaster management.
Findings
Thinking about disaster management as a collection or series of dichotomies may help to better understand the sources, vulnerabilities, approaches, modes, methods and modes for related decision-making scenarios, particularly in the political realm.
Research limitations/implications
The world is not so simply divided at every turn and dichotomous thinking may harbor biases, mask ignorance and/or offend postmodern notions of alterity.
Practical implications
Portraying disaster management through dichotomies is an efficient way for experts to convey information and structure decisions for political agendas.
Originality/value
This study presents a unique perspective of disaster management and how it may shape the thinking and decision making of disaster management politics.
Keywords
Citation
Kasdan, D.O. (2019), "Dichotomies of disaster management: a reflection on the politics of efficient decision making", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 28 No. 5, pp. 670-676. https://doi.org/10.1108/DPM-07-2018-0226
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited