The legitimacy challenge facing Emergency Management: Learning from the public administration experience

Heriberto Urby, PhD, JD; David A. McEntire, PhD; Marie Victoria Urby, MEd

doi:10.5055/jem.2019.0415

Authors

Heriberto Urby, PhD, JD
David A. McEntire, PhD
Marie Victoria Urby, MEd

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2019.0415

Keywords:

legitimacy, Emergency Management, public administration

Abstract

The following article discusses the identity challenge facing Emergency Management, and draws upon the experience of Public Administration to guide future developments in this area. The article undertakes a four-part analysis by discussing: (1) the legitimacy of Public Administration discipline; (2) the legitimacy of the Emergency Management discipline; (3) the legitimacy of the Public Administration profession; and (4) the legitimacy of the Emergency Management profession. The article concludes with a review of the discussion, and argues that Emergency Management has followed or benefited from the same path taken by Public Administration. However, Emergency Management must focus more on a code of ethics, particularly in reference to hiring practices and enforcement of professional values.

Author Biographies

Heriberto Urby, PhD, JD

Emergency Management Program, Department of Health Sciences and Social Work, College of Education and Human Services, Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois

David A. McEntire, PhD

College of Health and Public Service, Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah

Marie Victoria Urby, MEd

School of Urban and Public Affairs (SUPA), University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas

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