Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Ian Cole

Abstract

AbstractDisasters, natural or human-caused, have the ability to inflict catastrophic economic and physical damage to communities around the world. As social media is becoming more widespread in the use of information sharing, it is not being used to its full potential to communicate with the communities in the greater Houston-Galveston, TX region. The purpose of this study was to address the use and implementation of social media for disasters and large-scale events in the Houston-Galveston, TX region. I used the transformative framework as outlined by Creswell as the theoretical framework for this study. The qualitative research questions focused on social media platform(s), messaging, and collaboration efforts as it pertains to disasters and planned events. There were eight participants that ranged in age and geographic area in the greater Houston-Galveston, TX region. This study provided social change in that emergency managers have a better understanding of what the community is seeking in times of disaster incidents near their family, community, and places of employment. The data were analyzed into patterns and themes as to which social media platform(s) and what information has been collaborated with all involved parties to save lives and property prior to and during disaster incidents and large-scale events. The results indicated that participants sought vital lifesaving information, Facebook and Instagram platforms recognized as the preferred platforms, and that collaboration is wanted between the community and government leaders. The implications for positive social change are collaborative communication efforts using social media with government leaders, emergency management officials, and the community to save lives and property in the greater Houston-Galveston, TX region.

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