Empowerment and legitimization of effected communities in post-disaster reconstruction

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to establish the key role of power and legitimacy attributes in effective community participation in post-disaster reconstruction (PDR) projects.Design/methodology/approach – The research applies a qualitative research approach in conjunction with a case study method, using semi-structured interviews and purposive sampling techniques. The principal source of data were semi-structured interviews of affected community members and other stakeholders of a post-natural disaster reconstruction project initiated in the aftermath of 2005 devastating earthquake in Pakistan. The interviews were undertaken between October and December 2016.Findings – Participation of affected community is significant for the success of a PDR projects; however effective participation cannot be ensured without empowerment and legitimization. In context of post disaster reconstruction; both, power and legitimacy attributes have a direct effect on effective participation of the community.Originality/value – This paper has explored the relationship of stakeholder’s attributes with participation and have also proposed an attribute model for future PDR projects. Adoption of attribute model will enhance the chances of success of future PDR projects.