Collaborative response and social capital theory in the context of disaster management

Abstract

Disaster management in developing countries is an ongoing challenge. This paper investigates government-non-profit partnership for disaster management in a western state of India. Applying the interview method, the study focuses on the challenges facing government and non-profit organisations in their cross-sector collaboration initiatives, using social capital theory as a framework. The findings indicate that elements of social capital, such as trust and collaboration, are important for establishing a network of relationships to respond to the aftermath of disasters. This will generate norms, shared meaning, and common values among the network of organisations from both sectors. Such common understanding of vision and goals will help collaborations at the time of emergency events and reduce the challenges of networked relationships.