Role of leadership in the management of disasters and emergencies

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Role of leadership in the management of disasters and emergencies

Summary

Disasters and emergencies require aspects such as funds, personnel, and resources to manage. However, leadership is one of the critical aspects that are essential and require various competencies and traits at each stage (Demiroz & Kapucu, 2012). The leadership patterns are determined by the various activities conducted during crises and which are essential in coordinating people to perform roles that lead to the same goal. The leader is not able to work alone in reducing the impact of the disaster but must coordinate with other personnel to make decisions and to determine the most effective ways to handle the situation. The role of the leader in disaster management starts before the disaster during the preparation of risks (Zamisa & Mutereko, 2019). A leader has to prepare for the future by providing funds and resources to cater for such situations. When the emergency occurs, the leader first handles the prioritized activities, such as ensuring people are safe through the identification of safe areas. The impact of the disaster then has to be reduced by coordinating people and inducing the spirit of cooperation to act fast and effectively. The leaders also make decisions throughout the process to enhance safety, ensure damage is reduced, and provide the way forward.

In performing the stated roles, the leader must have knowledge, competencies, and abilities to facilitate decision-making processes. Knowledge of the risk and impact of the disaster would ensure a good plan is developed to prevent and reduce the risk. The competencies would help coordinate individuals and work with other people to find the best solutions for the emergency. The abilities facilitate the handling of the risk. Therefore, competencies such as team building, coordination, social context, and problem-solving are essential in successful disaster management. Also, abilities, including creativity, self-control, communication, and relationship management, facilitate disaster management. For successful leadership in crisis management, Boin et al. (2005) identify sense-making, decision making, meaning-making, accounting, and ending and learning as five critical tasks in disaster management. It enhances the safety of individuals and the saving of prioritized resources. However, the emergency determines the leadership skill required to handle a specific disaster.

Conclusion

Leadership in disaster management is essential in defining the activities to undertake to minimize the extent of damage that may occur. The leader’s role is to make decisions, coordinate members, assign duties, and identify priorities. However, to perform the roles, specific skills and competencies are required. These are such as problem-solving skills, decision-making skills, and communication skills. Also, the ability to have the self-control to minimize panicking provides confidence to the individuals, which enhances the reduction of damage. When a disaster occurs, it is appropriate for the leader to take charge of evicting individuals and ensuring minimal damage occurs depending on their power. Planning for crises is essential and helps to ensure the availability of funds and identification of critical roles, making it easier to manage the crisis.

References

Boin, A., Kuipers, S., & Overdijk, W. (2013). Leadership in Times of Crisis: A Framework for Assessment. International Review Of Public Administration, 18(1), 79-91. https://doi.org/10.1080/12294659.2013.10805241Demiroz, F., & Kapucu, N. (2012). The role of leadership in managing emergencies and disasters. European Journal of Economic & Political Studies, 5(1), 91-101.

Zamisa, N., & Mutereko, S. (2019). The role of traditional leadership in disaster management and disaster risk governance: A case of Ugu District Municipality by-laws. Jàmbá: Journal Of Disaster Risk Studies, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.4102/jamba.v11i1.802