Disaster Management for Socioeconomic Status Challenged Populations in the United
States
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX
Abstract
This qualitative, descriptive study explored disaster management practices
affecting socioeconomic-challenged populations from natural disasters across the United
States. The majority of disaster literature on vulnerable populations is quantitative
without providing a voice to the populations who sustain the highest impact from natural
disasters but who have the lowest socioeconomic status and survival rate. The purpose of
the study was to explore strategies and resources that influence disaster preparedness for
socioeconomic-challenged populations that could decrease casualties and resources while
increasing resiliency and self-sufficiency of vulnerable populations. Questionnaires were
distributed to study participants with a cross-section of U.S. disaster officials and relief
agencies coupled with representatives of low socioeconomic status populations in the
corresponding FEMA regions. Eighty-four participants provided demographic
information and questionnaire responses. Data were analyzed using NVivo version 9
software. Analysis revealed seven major findings related to enhance disaster management
strategies: (a) integrate all populations in disaster planning, (b) eliminate inequalities and
discrimination, (c) enact tribal disaster management (d) mandate school-based disaster
preparedness curriculums, (e) empower local responders, (f) increase social media, and
(g) employ low technology communication options. Participatory involvement of
socioeconomic-challenged populations in all phases of disaster management is suggested
to increase survival and develop resilient communities. The collective knowledge of
advocates for low SES populations and disaster officials uncovered in this research could
be combined into robust guidance and a collaborative leadership model to be replicated
and enhanced for the benefit of all Americans.
iv
Dedication
This doctoral journey would not have been possible without the infinite support
and patience from my husband, Bob, and my family. Marita enlightened me about the
plight of special needs children, while Anna provided critical reviews as my editor and
through a journalist’s eye. Nick and Jenny interjected calm and humor along with
providing my grandsons (Logan, Elijah, Isaiah, and Miles), who inspired me to try to
make their tomorrows better. My mother, Floy, emphasized life-long learning and never
discouraged me from achieving my goals.
I am thankful that I was guided onto this path less-traveled and blessed by all that
embraced my research along the way through witness accounts and collective wisdom to
identify issues and attempt to provide solutions. In particular, I am grateful to all the
participants who trusted me to project their voices to hopefully improve disaster
response and recovery for all America by sharing best practices for poignant issues.
Acknowledgments
Spiritual faith in the Lord provided me the courage to complete this endeavor and
sustained me along with numerous individuals. I want to bestow my sincere gratitude to
my mentor, Dr. James Goes, for taking me under his wing, continuously challenging my
abilities, and guiding me towards excellence. I would also like to thank my committee
members, Dr. Carolyn Salerno and Dr. Kenneth Cromer, for their critical reviews and
suggestions. In addition, my appreciation goes to Dr. Kelley Conrad for introducing me
to the benefits of NVivo.
My colleagues and friends along this doctoral journey were invaluable for
support and encouragement, especially Drs. Eric Golla, Crystal Christian, and Liza
DiFilippo. Multiple leaders of federal, state, community, and national organizations
provided invaluable and critical documentation and insights on the true reality of disaster
management practices. Finally, thank you to Robert Nelson, Terry Espina, Dennis
Chappability, and Kelly Casias for inviting me into the People’s world and allowing me
to shadow in their path.
vi
Table of Contents
List of Tables .............................................................................................................x
List of Figures ..........................................................................................................xii
Chapter 1: Introduction ..............................................................................................1
Background of the Problem .................................................................................2
Statement of the Problem .....................................................................................6
Purpose of the Study ............................................................................................7
Significance of the Study .....................................................................................9
Significance to Leadership .................................................................................11
Nature of the Study ............................................................................................12
Theoretical Framework ......................................................................................15
Research Questions ............................................................................................19
Definition of Terms............................................................................................19
Assumptions .......................................................................................................23
Scope, Limitations, and Delimitations ...............................................................25
Delimitations ......................................................................................................27
Summary ............................................................................................................28
Chapter 2: Review of the Literature .........................................................................30
Literature Search Strategy..................................................................................31
A Historic Overview of the U.S. National Disaster Framework .......................33
Disaster Preparedness prior to September 11, 2001 ..........................................34
After September 11, 2001 ..................................................................................35
Response to the 2005 Gulf Hurricanes ..............................................................36
vii
Socioeconomic Status (SES) Legislation...........................................................39
Disaster Funding and Response .........................................................................41
Natural Disaster Categories ...............................................................................43
2006 Nationwide Plan Review...........................................................................46
Theoretical Framework ......................................................................................49
2006 Nationwide Plan Reivew Relationships With Theory ..............................55
Methodologies of Prior Research .......................................................................60
Major Themes Surrounding Issues in Disaster Management ............................64
Socioeconomic Status Factors and Implications................................................76
Implications........................................................................................................90
Gaps in Literature ..............................................................................................92
Conclusion .........................................................................................................92
Summary ............................................................................................................94
Chapter 3: Methodology ..........................................................................................97
Research Design.................................................................................................98
Design Appropriateness ...................................................................................100
Study Population ..............................................................................................104
Sampling Framework .......................................................................................111
Data Collection ................................................................................................112
Questionnaires..................................................................................................116
Validity ............................................................................................................117
Data Analysis ...................................................................................................120
Summary ..........................................................................................................125
viii
Chapter 4: Presentation and Analysis of Data .......................................................126
Research Questions ..........................................................................................127
Data Collection and Analysis...........................................................................130
Pilot Test Feedback ..........................................................................................130
Demographics of Participants ..........................................................................131
Data Analysis ...................................................................................................140
Results for Research Question 1 ......................................................................141
Predominant Theme Identification for Research Question 1 ...........................156
Results for Research Question 2 ......................................................................160
Results for Research Question 3 ......................................................................162
Summary ..........................................................................................................165
Chapter 5: Implications, Limitations, Recommendations, and Conclusions .........167
Study Findings .................................................................................................167
Findings for Research Question 1 ....................................................................169
Findings for Research Question 2 ....................................................................175
Findings for Research Question 3 ....................................................................176
Recommendations, Implications, and Significance .........................................177
Limitations .......................................................................................................192
Recommendations for Future Studies ..............................................................193
Researcher Reflections.....................................................................................195
Summary ..........................................................................................................197
Conclusions ......................................................................................................199
References ..............................................................................................................202
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