Disaster-Function Management: Basic Principles

Abstract

The introduction of the disaster life cycle in 1979 was a milestone in disaster management practice. Its four phases of a disaster, which were the basis for comprehensive emergency management (CEM), have been widely used by practitioners and researchers. However, the literature shows that the CEM model does not fulfill the requirements of an analytical framework, and field experience shows that it does not reflect all managerial aspects. Recognizing the need for an alternative approach—and focusing on managerial aspects—the authors introduce the concept of disaster-function management, placed within classical management theory, where the phases of CEM have been replaced by functions. Based on theoretical arguments as well as empirical considerations, the authors suggest eight functions, each characterized by an associated objective describing the common aim of the collective efforts to be managed within that function. The authors also contribute to the discussion of theory for the management of disaster-related activities.