Abstract
A key element in risk management in countries susceptible to experiencing natural hazards
is facilitating preparedness. While several theories of preparedness have been developed, they have
emerged in countries that are culturally individualistic. Recognition of the fact that the majority of
disasters occur in countries that are predominantly collectivistic has identified a need to test the cross
cultural applicability of theories of preparedness. This paper discusses some preliminary work on the
cross cultural applicability of Paton’s (2008) community engagement theory. Following a discussion
of the cross cultural face validity of the content of this theory, the paper discusses evidence of cross
cultural applicability of the theory using data from New Zealand, Japan, Indonesia and Taiwan. The
results suggest that, irrespective of culture, the more citizens are able to collectively formulate their
risk management needs and strategies and the more they perceive their needs as having been met
through their relationship with civic agencies, the more likely they are to trust them and the
information they provide, and to use information to decide to adopt hazard preparation measures.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 18-35 |
Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | Journal of Integrated Disaster Risk Management |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2013 |
Externally published | Yes |