Cross-cultural comparisons between the earthquake preparedness models of Taiwan and New Zealand.
Taiwan and New Zealand are both located in the Pacific Rim where 81 per cent of the world's largest earthquakes occur. Effective programmes for increasing people's preparedness for these hazards are essential. This paper tests the applicability of the community engagement theory of hazard preparedness in two distinct cultural contexts. Structural equation modelling analysis provides support for this theory. The paper suggests that the close fit between theory and data that is achieved by excluding trust supports the theoretical prediction that familiarity with a hazard negates the need to trust external sources. The results demonstrate that the hazard preparedness theory is applicable to communities that have previously experienced earthquakes and are therefore familiar with the associated hazards and the need for earthquake preparedness. The paper also argues that cross-cultural comparisons provide opportunities for collaborative research and learning as well as access to a wider range of potential earthquake risk management strategies.
Assistant Professor at the Department of Social Work, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan.
Li-Ju
LJ
Jang
Associate Professor at the Department of Architecture, Ming Chuan University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Jieh-Jiuh
JJ
Wang
Professor at the School of Psychology and Clinical Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Northern Territories, Australia.
Douglas
D
Paton
Research Assistant at the Research Lab of Urban Design and Sustainable Development, Department of Architecture, Ming Chuan University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Ning-Yu
NY
Tsai
D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D055866:Earthquakes; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009520:New Zealand; D013624:Taiwan
collective efficacy; empowerment; hazard preparedness; intention; outcome expectancy; trust