Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Disaster Management: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a vital role in accurate disaster management. This study aimed to Investigate factors affecting the participation of NGOs in disaster management in Iran.Method: This qualitative study was conducted via content analysis approach. This study comprised ۳۲ participants, including four managers of municipalities and governorates, four health ministry managers, five managers of Red Crescent Society, five faculty members of the university who work on disaster management, and fourteen managers/secretaries of NGOs. They had knowledge or practical experience in disaster management. The abovementioned people were interviewed. The data were collected through purposive sampling, which continued until data saturation was reached.Results: Factors affecting the participation of NGOs in disaster management were classified into ۴ main categories and ۱۴ subcategories, including organizational and managerial, field and operational, social and cultural, and policymaking factors.Conclusion: According to the results of this study, as multiple NGOs take part in responding to disasters and performing relief operations, establishing a unified command and supervision system for effective coordination and collaborations among NGOs and other stakeholders is highly suggested. The future national plans and strategies of disaster management need to consider the supportive rules and reform inappropriate legal barriers to NGOs’ participation in disaster management activities. All organizations involved in disaster response must play a vital role in making disaster management decisions for every country to consider all important aspects and issues.

Keywords:

Disasters , Management , NGOs , Participation