PUBLIC SECTOR CONTINUITY PLANNING: PREPARING THE BUREUCRACY IN THE AGE OF THE NEW “NORMAL”

Abstract

This paper is both a theoretical and empirical discourse on the responsiveness of the bureaucratic norms of governmental response system in the aftermath of disasters. It starts by discussing the contemporary context, i.e., the “Age of the New Normal” where unexpected catastrophic disasters in increase frequency and more intensified intensity, which is seemingly becoming a everyday staple of life that mankind must learn to deal with. It then argues that to become responsive, bureaucracies must innovate to be able to restore normalcy immediately. The challenge becomes complicated, however, when the bureaucracy itself becomes a victim. The paper summarizes existing knowledge based on current literature on the challenges and problems that the “Age of the New Normal” pose to Public Administration and how the latter respond to them. Second, it discusses the how the main properties of bureaucracy serve either as facilitating or hindering factor during disaster/crisis situations. Empirical evidence is provided by showcasing four government agencies that prepared for the onslaught of Super Typhoon Haiyan on November 8, 2013 in Tacloban City, Philippines. Third, the paper presents the public service continuity planning that will enable government agencies to provide continuous service in the aftermath of disasters.