Purpose: Coping with and adjusting to disruptive challenges has always been a characteristic of human development. Formalisation of this has led to the emergence of a number approaches addressing disruptive challenges. Often formalised practice has a narrow focus. Increasingly complex challenges require a refocus of formalised approaches. Drawing from these approaches, the purpose of this paper is to posit that a greater focus on preparedness through pre-disaster planning is needed for a more holistic approach to disaster management. Design/methodology/approach: The paper reviews the evolution of disaster management thinking and practice and proposes that changes are needed to the dominant disaster management model. These changes are drawn from a number of alternative perspectives. Based on the uncertainties surrounding complex or "wicked" problems, for example, climate change and variability, this paper develops a more holistic approach. Findings: Responding to "wicked problems" requires a greater focus on preparedness. In terms of disaster risk reduction a greater emphasis on pre-disaster planning is needed driven by social learning processes. Originality/value: Faced with an increasingly uncertain and complex future, current approaches to conceptualising disaster management are inadequate. This paper develops an approach that is likely to be more effective. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
CITATION STYLE
O’Brien, G., O’Keefe, P., Gadema, Z., & Swords, J. (2010). Approaching disaster management through social learning. Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, 19(4), 498–508. https://doi.org/10.1108/09653561011070402
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