Preparedness Clusters: A Research Note on the Disaster Readiness of Community-Based Organizations

Abstract

Previous research has found that disaster preparedness practices can be theoretically grouped into eight dimensions of preparedness. In this research note, the author utilizes factor analysis to expand Sutton and Tierney's literature review with empirical data gathered from ninety-three community-based organizations (CBOs). The author concludes that the dimensions of preparedness do not form unique clusters. Instead, the author has identified seven new preparedness clusters, which can serve important purposes in advancing the disaster preparedness of community-based organizations.