Toward a Taxonomy of Disaster and Crisis Theories

Abstract

This article frames and defines the role of public administration theory in disaster planning and response. It is argued that there is little if any systematic theorizing in disaster planning and response beyond mainstream heuristics and possibly ad hoc classification schemes. By offering a basic taxonomy of existing disaster management theory literature, this article points toward opportunities for future theoretical development. Specifically, this taxonomy uses a concern for tools and a concern for process to categorize decision, administrative, economic, and social theories related to disaster and crisis management. This article highlights the Love Canal case as an example of how alternative approaches to theorizing disaster can help explain seemingly irrational phenomena.