Risk and Crisis Management in the Public Sector

A particular feature of modern, post-industrial societies is the growing awareness of risk and crisis management. These relate to phenomena such as natural catastrophes (earthquakes, hurricanes and floods), terrorist attacks (Bali, New York, Madrid), corporate failures (HIH, Enron, WorldCom), threats to human and animal welfare (SARS, Foot and Mouth, BSE), critical incidents (bushfires, rail crashes, aviation accidents, mass shootings), environmental degradation (rain forests, ozone layer, oil spills), and policy failures (UK Poll Tax, Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Commission, public-private partnerships). The public sector, at both national and sub-national levels, plays a crucial role not only in the management of extra-ordinary events such as these, but also in anticipating and preparing for the "unthinkable." Therefore, the main theme of this book is the context, concepts and practice of risk and crisis management in the public sector in Western, notably European, and Asia Pacific countries. Thebook links theory and practice, with the specific aim of equipping public managers and those studying public management with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage risk, and effectively deal with crises.