Interorganizational Collaboration for the Implementation of Hazard Mitigation Strategies

Abstract

This study examines patterns of interorganizational collaboration for hazard mitigation in metropolitan regions. Metropolitan regions whose populations reside in vulnerable places may experience extreme events. Facilitation of collective actions among organizations is critical for building resilient urban communities. Although the literature highlights the importance of interorganizational collaboration in disaster management, patterns of interorganizational collaboration for hazard mitigation in urban settings has been underexamined. Building on an institutional collective action framework, this study argues that hazard mitigation efforts tend to be localized. We tested this hypothesis using survey data collected in the Busan and Ulsan metropolitan regions, where natural disasters are problematic. An exponential random graph model confirmed the presence of a bonding strategy, which builds trust with municipalities and organizations within the region and creates interorganizational collaboration. We found that local public agencies tend to collaborate with organizations in the same jurisdictions or at higher levels of government. In the context of emergency management, hazard mitigation plays a crucial role in building resilient communities. Public agencies implement hazard mitigation actions by collaborating with other agencies and groups. Local agencies may require financial or logistical support from regional or national governments to effectively implement hazard mitigation actions. Agencies can foster collaborative relationships and strengthen their commitment to hazard mitigation efforts through regular interactions and by forming collaborative groups. Furthermore, collaboration among agencies within a region allows for shared interests in hazard mitigation and the strengthening of commitments. These strategies will help public agencies to implement hazard mitigation actions that utilize resources from a broad range of organizations.