Understanding Emergency Preparedness in Public Agencies: The Key Role of Managerial Perceptions

A central function of government is to protect citizens from harms various hazards. Research on governmental emergency preparedness focuses predominantly management agencies per se but seldom assesses the full range public sector agencies—nor how managers specifically shape agency actions. This study addresses these gaps by investigating perceptions and attitudes administrators in nonemergency affect preparedness. Using a survey U.S. transit agencies, I demonstrate managers’ perceived risks efficacy beliefs agencies’ commitment These findings suggest pathways for improved across overall.