Main Article Content
Abstract
This study applies an ethical framework to test the decision-making process that took place during the Katrina disaster. Building on assumptions and concepts drawn from ethical theories, decision capacity, and the discourse analysis perspective, the validity and effectiveness of decisions issued by the local, regional, and federal governments were assessed. A number of official committees’ reports, which were published by the U.S. government in the wake of the Katrina disaster, were used as the primary sources of data for an instrument that was developed from Soliman’s ethical framework in 2010. The findings in this study indicate significant discrepancies in decision making for both the planning and response phases during the Katrina disaster. Four major ethical concepts; which are responsibility, accountability, transparency, and decision capacity were found to be violated, resulting in an exacerbation of suffering for the disaster survivors. This study recommends that concerning any disaster, officials and decision makers review and integrate ethical standards when developing programs and activities in order to protect citizens’ legal and personal human rights.
Keywords: Katrina disaster, ethical framework, decision capacity