Compounding Disasters and Ethical Leadership: Case Studies from Louisiana and Texas

Abstract

Disasters are complex and dynamic events that test even the most ethical leaders at all levels of government. During 2020, communities throughout the United States experienced compounding disasters that challenged not only leaders, but response and recovery plans and policies. This study examines ethical leadership during compounding disasters in two cities—Lafayette, LA and Dallas, TX. The Lafayette case study involves the COVID-19 pandemic, homelessness crisis, civil unrest, and Hurricane Laura, while the case study in Dallas centers on COVID-19, Winter Storm Uri, and the COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Specifically, the cases examine how the national narrative over race and COVID-19 impacted decision making at the local government level and which aspects of ethical leadership are evidenced in these compounding disasters. This study concludes with future research recommendations and identifies practical implications for public leaders and emergency managers when responding to compounding disasters.