Research Objective:

The objective of this research is to understand how organizations in a moderate seismic risk environment manage their risks. Specifically, we will investigate (1) the seismic hazard information needs of Memphis area organizations; and (2) the ways in which organizations currently use, and are likely to use, seismic hazard information in making decisions about reducing seismic risk. Organizations consist of public organizations involved in seismic risk issues, and large public and private organizations that would be significantly affected by a major earthquake. These are organizations that would potentially use seismic risk information.

Research Questions:

• For each organization:
  • What is their organizational decision making process regarding risk?
  • What are their needs with regard to earthquake preparedness?
  • What types of information do they need? In what form, and when? Would MAEViz provide them with what they need?
• How do these processes vary among organizations?
• How do multiple organizations in the Memphis area interact with respect to promoting and managing seismic safety?

This research recognizes that organizational seismic risk decisions are affected by: individual risk perceptions, existing organizational needs and decision processes, other risks faced by the organization, networks of organizations within the Memphis area, and the political environment in the Memphis area.

Purpose:

The purpose of this research is to inform the MAE Center and other disseminators of seismic risk information how to more intelligently operate within existing organizational structures and risk perceptions.

Approach:

This research will have two primary study populations: a group of case study organizations, and a larger group to provide a broad cross section of organizations in Memphis. We will:

• Study a range of case study organizations in detail, regarding decisions related to risk in general and seismic risk in particular.
• Collaborate with project SE-1 regarding seismic risk perceptions of individuals in key organizations.
• Survey a broader range of organizations regarding decisions with respect to seismic risk information.