Emergent behavior in the immediate response to two disasters: The 1985 Mexico City earthquake and the 1994 Northridge earthquake in Los Angeles

This study addresses the degree to which disaster planning and preparedness relate to the incidence of emergent behavior both at the organizational and individual level in the immediate response to disasters. The study examines (1) the relationship between socio-cultural factors and the pattern of response, (2) the degree to which organizational adaptability and centralization of response impact emergent behavior, and (3) the roles played by volunteers in the response effort. This is done in the context of a cross-cultural comparative case study of two events, the 1985 earthquake in Mexico City and the 1994 earthquake in Los Angeles.; Response is characterized by Search and Rescue (SAR). Emergent behavior is most evident in the performance of SAR in the immediate response period. The impact of disaster planning and preparedness on emergent behavior is probed through the examination of this primary response task. The study is theoretically grounded on emergent-norm theory. In the face of crisis, the search for collective meaning precedes the emergence of new groups. Kreps' model linking the fundamental elements of organization to emergence is merged with Dynes' typology of organizations, creating a new framework sensitive to the dynamic nature of organizational arrangements in disasters.; The analysis and conclusions focus on a critique of existing mechanisms for response. The cross-cultural nature of the study is a good vehicle to understand what may be universal problems and solutions and what constraints and opportunities are specific to one culture or another. Insight is gained into the dynamics of emergent groups. This insight is a valuable tool in determining the effectiveness of civilian first responder training as a disaster preparedness technique.