An institutional response framework to enhance disaster risk reduction: a public sector perspective

In view of the increasing magnitude and frequency of hazards, governments and international bodies are exploring innovative strategies for managing or reducing risks and responding to emergencies. As there is an urgent need for responsiveness, it is crucial to analyse response considering both the rapid and slow onset nature of these events. While public sector organisations grapple with the perpetual challenge of making decisions given the ambiguous, uncertain and complex characteristics of hazards, exploring the nature of institutional pressures emanating from stakeholder expectations and demands, the mechanisms that drive institutional responses and the typology of responses that can be deployed to reduce risks is crucial. This study involved extensive literature review and semi-structured interviews of public sector organisations and international non-governmental organisations funded projects. Both interviews and textual data based on observational findings from a multi-scenario tertiarylevel disaster risk management education simulation-based learning activity were analysed thematically to aid the design and development of the framework presented. The findings offer opportunities for authorities and stakeholders to facilitate responsiveness while improving informed decision-making and political will for managing or reducing risks and emergency.