Rumours interplay in disaster management
by Judith Molka-Danielsen, Thomas Beke
International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management (IJRAM), Vol. 9, No. 4, 2008

Abstract: Rumours affect how rational individuals assess risks, evaluate needs, and make decisions in disaster-affected environments. This paper presents a comprehensive understanding of the role of rumours in disaster management. First we present an objective definition of 'rumour' that is a compound definition including both a message with some degree of false content and a method of transporting the content. Second, we analyse two well-documented cases of technological and biological disaster events that have resulted in both losses to human welfare and economic losses and the interplay of rumours in these cases. We explain how rumours as objects become enacted and activate other objects. A model for understanding these interactions of rumours in disaster environments is developed and explained. Finally, we outline a strategy for authorities and assistance agencies that can contribute to disaster management.

Online publication date: Mon, 22-Sep-2008

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management (IJRAM):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

    Username:        Password:         

Forgotten your password?


Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com