The perceptions of policymakers on earthquake mitigation: A qualitative study in an Iranian context
International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment
ISSN: 1759-5908
Article publication date: 28 February 2020
Issue publication date: 27 April 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study identified the priorities, challenges and different aspects of the mitigation phase according to policymakers for planning and better management of reducing risk within the cultural, religious, social and political conditions of Iran.
Design/methodology/approach
In the present qualitative study, 19 policymakers in different levels of the disaster management organizations were selected based on purposive sampling. Semi-structured and face-to-face interviews were used to identify the participants’ views. The findings were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Findings
The present situation and the challenges of the mitigation phase were the main themes in this study. Risk perception, training and media were the sub-themes. Political, legal, social and cultural challenges of the mitigation phase were also sub-themes.
Originality/value
The findings of this study indicated that different aspects should be considered to minimize the risk of earthquake. In addition, all kinds of media, including visual, written, audio, instrumental, group and multimedia, should be used for enhancing public awareness so that readiness for earthquakes can be considered as a permanent mission of the citizens, who are always concerned about earthquakes.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study is related to a research design which was ratified and financial Support by School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences [Grant No: IR.IUMS.REC.1394.9211567210]. The authors would like to thank all the participants for their contribution to the study. The authors would also like to thank all reviewers who helped improve the manuscript.
Citation
Heidari, S., Vatankhah, S., Tourani, S. and Heidari, M. (2020), "The perceptions of policymakers on earthquake mitigation: A qualitative study in an Iranian context", International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, Vol. 11 No. 3, pp. 403-414. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJDRBE-04-2019-0013
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited