Title: Dynamics of accountability in crisis management

Authors: Kwangseon Hwang; Hyung Jun Park

Addresses: Policy Evaluation Division, Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning, Seoul 06775, South Korea ' Department of Public Administration, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 03063, South Korea

Abstract: The purpose of the paper is to explore the dynamics of accountability and to observe the politicisation of crisis management in the post-crisis within a Korean context. Also it explores whether the politicisation of crisis helps or hinders crisis management. By looking at changes and gaps in accountability demands in the Chenonan case in 2010, this paper will provide us with the implications for a balanced perspective in crisis management. It attempts to capture the dynamics of accountability by content analysing a series of official documents, the minutes of the National Assembly. Interviews with crisis managers are included. Two implications from this discovery are: 1) decision makers and crisis managers should carefully understand and be awakened by the political dynamics of accountability in the tension between the legislature and the administration; 2) in order for effective emergency responses, professional accountability should be respected and enhanced as the increase of politicisation.

Keywords: accountability; political dynamics; crisis management; South Korea; Cheonan incident; legislature; administration; emergency management; politicisation; politics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEM.2016.074882

International Journal of Emergency Management, 2016 Vol.12 No.1, pp.95 - 112

Received: 29 Aug 2015
Accepted: 28 Oct 2015
Published online: 22 Feb 2016 *

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