The Role of Private Stakeholders in Disaster and Humanitarian Operations

Authors

  • Tharcisio Cotta Fontainha Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro
  • Patricia de Oliveira Melo Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro
  • Adriana Leiras Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12660/joscmv9n1p77-93

Keywords:

Stakeholder theory, corporate social responsibility, humanitarian operations, disaster operations, private sector.

Abstract

The role of private stakeholders in disaster operations goes far beyond the delivery of profits to its shareholders. Disasters and humanitarian operations literature acknowledges the importance of private sector in disaster lifecycle; however, it lacks an analysis of the risks and benefits of each different form of their engagement in such operations (contractual relationships, one-off relationships and CSR - Corporate Social Responsibility partnerships). To address this research gap, a literature review was conducted on papers covering the perspective of private stakeholders when engaging in disaster and humanitarian operations with stakeholders from public and social groups. The results revealed that some challenges are specific from one approach and others are common for all of them. Moreover, despite the increasing of reputation capital and organizational learning being used to motivate CSR approach, they are mentioned as benefits in approaches with lower engagement - contractual and one-off relationship approaches. Thus, the benefits and risks of each approach need to be carefully addressed by scholars and field professionals in order to seek better results from the engagement of private organizations.

Author Biographies

Tharcisio Cotta Fontainha, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro

B.Sc and M.Sc. in Production Engineering, and Doctoral student at PUC-Rio. Professional experience in pharmaceutical and petrochemical industries for 9 years. Teaching and advising experience in Project Management for MBA courses. Currently integrates the Humanitarian Assistance and Needs for Disaster (HANDs) Lab and researches stakeholders' satisfactions and contributions in disaster scenarios.

Patricia de Oliveira Melo, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro

B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Production Engineering. Professional experience in contract management for comercial companies. Currently integrate Humanitarian Assistance and Needs for Disaster Lab (HANDs) and researches community perception and willing to leave their houses after a disaster alarm to evacuation of risk areas.

Adriana Leiras, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro

B.Sc., M.Sc. and D.Sc in Production Engineering. Professor of Production Engineering at PUC-Rio and head of Humanitarian Assistance and Needs for Disaster Lab (HANDs). Revisor of academic Brazilian and international journals. Coordinator of research projects in humanitarian logistics funded by Brazilian governamental organizations in partnership with national and international laboratories.

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Published

2016-07-18

Issue

Section

Special Issue on Crisis Management and Humanitarian Operations