An environment conducive to bureaucratic innovation?: Exploring the potential for public entrepreneurship within FEMA

Abstract

The ability of emergency management organizations to perform effectively in the eyes of the public has been argued to stem from organizational culture, and a proclivity to overcome path dependent effects that may inhibit changes to enhance service provision. One mechanism argued to be effective in overcoming organizational path dependence and ineffective service provision is public entrepreneurship. Several contextual characteristics of public entrepreneurship are necessary to spur innovation. This study examines the presence of contextual factors shown to encourage public entrepreneurship within FEMA, which are also applicable to local urban governance. FEMA has long been argued as ineffective and resistant to organizational change. Using a sample of FEMA employees, this study finds that most FEMA employees perceive the organization to be open to public entrepreneurship; however, this perception is influenced by individual's personal characteristics. In addition to findings, this study offers recommendations for future research and implications in the area of public entrepreneurship within emergency management.