DISASTER MANAGEMENT: PLANNING AND COMMUNICATION APPROACHES USED IN ORGANIZATIONS IN KENYA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate how disasters are managed in organizations in Kenya. The study objectives were: to examine the planning approaches used in disaster management and to establish the communication approaches used in disaster management. A multiple case study of five organizations was used. The sample size was twenty managers in the sampled organizations. Interview guides and document analysis were used as instruments for data collection. The study revealed that managers in the sampled institutions did not use a proactive approach in disaster management. They lack knowledge about integrating disaster management into strategic planning processes. They also lack knowledge about a proactive approach to communication in disaster management. The researcher recommends that: Training and workshops in disaster management should be provided to managers and other employees. Organizational members should be exposed to disaster management simulations. Keywords: Disaster, Management, Planning, Communication, Language use, Education, Proactive approach, Reactive approach