Emergency Management: Strategies for Maintaining Organizational Integrity

Emergency management is an essential aspect of environmental stewardship. Its essence is distilled from complex interrelationships which link social, psychological, physical, biological, and poli tical sciences. Because there is seldom an opportunity to illustrate, much less teach, those complexi ties wi thin an integrated curriculum, this volume deserves a warm welcome because it helps do that. Dr. Drabek began his study of emergency management more than a quarter century ago in 1963, and his dedication to the field has led to this monograph. He now is entering an international arena; his most recent studies involve countries in Europe, Mexico, and Canada, as well as numerous locations throughout the United States. His experience is evident in his assessment of organizational integrity which this monograph explores. As a frequent lecturer at the National Emergency Training Center of the United States, and other locations within and outside the country, the perspective he presents in this volume provides the student with an important vantage point. His view is clearly focused on emergency management. However, the lessons and strategies revealed here are equally relevant to management of environmental protection, regulatory compliance auditing (i. e. , environmental auditing), and those other monitoring and response skills prerequisite to being a professional and effective environmental steward.