Date of Award
Winter 2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
Department
Public Policy and Administration
Committee Chairperson
Dr. Angela Kline, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Dr. Kyle Overly, DPA
Committee Member
Dr. Peter Loedel, Ph.D.
Abstract
As the evolution of Emergency Management continues, and the integration of public administration combines more of the shared services model to protect our communities and populations from disasters, we must first assess ourselves. Emergency Management agencies must do more than build capabilities but do so strategically with evidence-based practices and incorporate innovative structural adaptations such as models, strategies, skills, information, assessment, leadership approaches, and more into everyday operation and strategic planning. In coordination with the only Emergency Management accreditation program on the planet, a standardized quantitative assessment will increase a comprehensive understanding of capabilities while strategically supporting programmatic objectives.
This mixed-methods research examines the existing literature on organizational structure and organizational assessment. It examines the need for a quality assessment tool to enhance the accreditation process for several types of jurisdictions, municipal, local, and state institutions of higher education, hospitals, and other emergency management organizations eligible for accreditation. This research comprises an electronic survey, focus group, theory generation, and quality assessment tool recommendation over the current 66 Emergency Management standards. Emergency managers from across the United States who have obtained either an Associate Emergency Manager (AEM) or Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) certification were invited to participate. This research examines the perceived need from emergency managers for a theory and assessment tool to support programmatic decisions, strategic planning, and organizational accreditation assessment. This research examines a new theory for organizational enhancement.
Recommended Citation
Richardson, Kesley, "Quality Check: How Good is Your Emergency Management Program?" (2023). West Chester University Doctoral Projects. 229.
https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/all_doctoral/229
Included in
Emergency and Disaster Management Commons, Organization Development Commons, Other Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration Commons, Policy History, Theory, and Methods Commons, Public Administration Commons