Perceptions of emergency management in US cities: A survey of Chief Administrative Officers

Christopher G. Reddick, PhD; Dianne Rahm, PhD

doi:10.5055/jem.2010.0037

Authors

Christopher G. Reddick, PhD
Dianne Rahm, PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2010.0037

Keywords:

emergency management, survey research, local government, management, performance

Abstract

This article provides data drawn from a survey of 131 Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) in the 200 largest US cities. Much of the existing policy research on emergency management has focused on the extent of collaboration between and across government units and the civil sector. This study focuses on CAOs’ perceptions of risk, the use of information technology, and emergency management program management. This study analyzes the differences in the views of CAOs. Those who see their cities at particular risk of terrorist threat and/or natural disaster view the aspects of risk, technology, and program management differently than do CAOs who do not believe they are at heightened risk.

Author Biographies

Christopher G. Reddick, PhD

Associate Professor and Department Chair, Department of Public Administration, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.

Dianne Rahm, PhD

Professor, Department of Political Science, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.

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