Dissemination as Success: Local Emergency Management Communication Practices

• In Event: Scholar to Scholar IV

Abstract

This study used in-depth interviews with 37 emergency managers to learn how they encourage citizens to develop emergency plans and kits. We found that, generally, emergency managers rely on a press agentry/publicity model of public relations (Grunig, 1976; 1992). Specifically, they conceptualize communication as a dissemination process rather than a process of research and outcome evaluation. This study calls for an increased focus on helping local emergency managers conduct outcome evaluations of risk communication campaigns.

Authors

• Shari Veil, University of Oklahoma

• Robert Littlefield, North Dakota State University

• Katherine Rowan, George Mason Univ