The legitimacy challenge facing Emergency Management: Learning from the public administration experience

Abstract

The following article discusses the identity challenge facing Emergency Management, and draws upon the experience of Public Administration to guide future developments in this area. The article undertakes a four-part analysis by discussing: (1) the legitimacy of Public Administration discipline; (2) the legitimacy of the Emergency Management discipline; (3) the legitimacy of the Public Administration profession; and (4) the legitimacy of the Emergency Management profession. The article concludes with a review of the discussion, and argues that Emergency Management has followed or benefited from the same path taken by Public Administration. However, Emergency Management must focus more on a code of ethics, particularly in reference to hiring practices and enforcement of professional values.