📚 New Scientific Monograph: “The Efficiency of Disaster and Crisis Management Policy at the Local Level: Lessons from Serbia” 📚
📖 Authors: Jasmina Tanasić, Vladimir M. Cvetković
Foreword: What to Expect from This Monograph
A scientific monograph offers a comprehensive examination of crisis and disaster management policy in Serbia. Leveraging rich scientific research experience in the field of disaster studies, the authors critically assess the merits and demerits of various levels of crisis and disaster management. Crafted to address the subject matter, objectives, and methodologies employed, the monograph stands as a multidimensional, multimethod work primarily of a qualitative nature. Rooted in a qualitative approach, it scrutinizes the concept of crisis and disaster management policy across 23 cities in Serbia. Beyond enriching understanding in the intricate realm of crisis and disaster management policy at the local level, its aim extends to furnishing recommendations concerning necessary methodological and organizational shifts in the operations of local governance and decision-making bodies, legal frameworks and protocols, security strategies, decision-making processes, coordination efforts, collaborative initiatives, communication strategies, public engagement practices, educational endeavors, and information dissemination channels.
In terms of the societal justification for the research, derived from empirical findings, specific conclusions and proposals have been drawn regarding the efficacy, transparency, and deficiencies in the implementation of crisis management policy concepts within Serbian cities. Concrete recommendations and proposals are presented to enhance the qualitative aspects of the concept in areas where shortcomings or inadequacies are identified. The societal justification for this research primarily lies in augmenting the capacities of local self-governments to enhance preparedness, cope with, and overcome crises and disasters, fortify safety cultures, and foster the development of “resilient local communities.”
Within the initial portion of the scientific monograph, the authors scrutinize and elaborate on five thematic units, each classified into corresponding chapters. The opening (first) chapter explores crises and disasters as political constructs. Delving into the concepts of crisis and disaster, the discussion navigates through theoretical distinctions among related phenomena such as disasters, emergencies, risks, accidents, and crises. Special emphasis is placed on examining the characteristics of disasters and emergencies, with reference to typologies such as classical, modern, and combined.
In the second chapter of the scientific monograph, the authors delve into theoretical concepts surrounding crisis and disaster management. They explore themes such as strategic management and leadership during crises and disasters, crisis management, emergency management, and related concepts. The chapter also examines the characteristics of crisis and disaster management, models of management processes during crises and disasters, crisis and disaster management within public administration, and organizational approaches to crisis and disaster management.
Moving on to the third chapter, the authors undertake a comprehensive examination of crisis and disaster management policy. Within this section, they scrutinize various issues pertaining to crisis and disaster identification, decision-making in crisis and disaster situations, interpretation of crises and disasters within the realm of political communications, risk communication regarding crises and disasters, resolution strategies for crises and disasters, as well as the assignment of blame and responsibilities. The chapter also highlights the potential for organizational learning and the implementation of reforms induced by crises and disasters.
The fourth chapter of the scientific monograph focuses on community resilience in crisis and disaster situations. Here, the authors outline the characteristics of resilient communities, with particular emphasis on urban safety and the criteria for designating cities as safe. Additionally, citizen responses to crises and disasters are examined within this context.
In the fifth chapter, the authors explore crisis and disaster management practices within the European Union and European countries, along with the institutional framework for such management within the EU. Special attention is given to the analysis and description of crisis and disaster management systems across European nations.
In the second part of the scientific monograph, a detailed methodological framework for the conducted research is presented. This includes discussions on research subjects, objectives, and tasks, as well as the hypothetical research framework, scientific and social justifications, sources and types of data, and methodologies for data collection and processing, alongside an overview of key indicators.
The third part of the scientific monograph comprehensively describes the analytical dimensions of the conducted research results. The first chapter of this section explores the cultural and historical dimensions of crisis and disaster management policy in Serbia, examining administrative-territorial frameworks, central and local levels of management and administrative structures, responsibilities and regulatory frameworks, legal reforms, and degrees of regulatory governance.
In the second chapter of the third part, the authors delve into the dimensions of crisis and disaster management as public policies, discussing the socio-economic context of crisis and disaster management in Serbian cities. They explore strategic frameworks, the development of strategic and institutional frameworks for security and crisis management at the local level, intersectoral collaboration, operational frameworks for disaster management, institutional frameworks, financing, coordination between agencies, supervision, evaluation of public policies, and resource monitoring.
In the third chapter, the exploration extends to partnerships and collaborative efforts in crisis and disaster management processes within Serbian municipalities. This encompasses the intricate dynamics between the state, local self-governance, and citizens concerning crisis management policies in Serbia. It further delves into the expectations that local self-governments hold towards citizens and vice versa, particularly regarding the safeguarding of their interests. Additionally, the chapter scrutinizes the typologies of crises and their perceptual reality among citizens in Serbia, as well as the identified risks delineated in national and local strategic documents. Furthermore, it examines scenarios in crisis and disaster management where volunteer engagement is integral, assessing the readiness level of citizens for such involvement within local communities. Moreover, the chapter explores collaborative initiatives with neighboring municipalities, ongoing projects concerning crisis management within Serbian local self-governments, and the scope and nature of regional or international cooperation pertaining to crisis and disaster management at the local level in Serbia.
Concluding with the fourth chapter, attention shifts towards the realm of information dissemination and educational endeavors concerning crises and disasters within Serbian municipalities. This includes the specialized training programs tailored for mayoral officials in navigating crisis and disaster scenarios effectively. Moreover, it encompasses the intricacies of crisis communication strategies deployed at the local level and the pivotal role of informative and educational initiatives as integral components of proactive crisis management strategies within local communities.
Join us in unraveling the complexities of crisis and disaster management policy, as we pave the way for resilient local communities and informed decision-making. Stay tuned for the release of our scientific monograph, offering invaluable lessons from Serbia’s journey in crisis management.
