Article
Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council, the Coast Guard Journal of Safety at Sea

Leadership in Routine Emergencies and Crises: The Deepwater Horizon Incident

By: Arnold M. Howitt, Dutch Leonard and David W. Giles

Format:Print

Abstract

Leadership in emergencies is a crucial element of becoming a high-performing Coast Guard officer. In this article, we argue that emergency leadership is not a single skill or uniform set of organizational competences. Instead, we identify a spectrum of emergency situations, ranging from what we will call “routine emergencies” through “crises,” differentiated by increasing degrees of novelty in the emergency challenge. Leaders and their organizations must develop capacities for managing in both types of situations.

Keywords

Emergency Preparedness; Crisis Management; Leadership; Safety; Performance Effectiveness

Citation

Howitt, Arnold M., Dutch Leonard, and David W. Giles. "Leadership in Routine Emergencies and Crises: The Deepwater Horizon Incident." Special Issue on Game Changers: Turning the Tide on Maritime Challenges. Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council, the Coast Guard Journal of Safety at Sea 74, no. 2 (May–December 2017): 108–115.