Managing Collaborative Networks in Post-Disaster Recovery: A Case Study of 2015 Nepal Earthquake

Abstract

Governing the network of public, private, and non-governmental organizations is increasingly becoming the standard practice to ensure effective post-disaster recovery and reconstruction processes and outcomes. While prior research has discussed different challenges in network settings, few studies have examined the challenges faced by public managers who lead post-disaster recovery networks. Similarly, there is a dearth of knowledge on how the management of these networks affects disaster-stricken populations are affected by the management of these networks. This dissertation addresses such lacunae using a case study of the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA), an organization established by the Nepali government to execute post-disaster recovery after the 2015 Nepal earthquake. The study’s data collection includes semi-structured interviews (n=81) with NRA public managers, representatives of non-governmental organizations, and leaders in Kathmandu Metropolitan City as well as the review of secondary policy documents and media sources.