Much of the responsibility for societal safety and crisis preparedness rests with local municipal leaders. These tasks are demanding, and often insufficiently prioritized and supported. The purpose of this study was to identify factors influencing motivation to work with these issues, and to explore relationships among such factors. Two datasets, formed the basis of the analysis. From the qualitative analysis, a model was developed describing three main categories of motivational factors: person-related, organizational and activity-related. Actual crisis experience was found to influence factors in all three categories. Differences regarding motivational forces could be identified among different roles among officials. Self-determination theory is applied to the model, illustrating possible ways to influence motivation for work with preparedness issues.

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical understanding of experiences of crisis management among municipal leaders. Design/methodology/approach -A total of 16 chief officers and three politicians from three different municipalities were interviewed concerning experiences of dealing with a severe storm. Data were analyzed by a grounded theory approach. Findings -Data analysis generated a model. Central to the model is an evaluation sphere, which reflects tension between everyday circumstances and crisis needs, between assessments of legislation and practices as a support or hindrance, and assessments of human vulnerability versus coping resources. Manager characteristics, the societal context within which the event occurred, and crisis characteristics all influence this evaluation sphere. Particular stressors include the fact that the leaders themselves were personally affected by the storm, the difficult decisions and assessments that had to be made, the uncertainty of the situation and the timing, soon after the tsunami. Crisis management, decisions and actions can be seen as formed from the evaluation sphere and the influencing factors.Research limitations/implications -The paper has a small sample and limited representativeness. Generalizability of the model should be tested in other crisis events.Practical implication -The model can be used as a tool to design exercises and as a guideline for authorities, in providing preparedness and crisis support. Originality/value -The paper provides a theoretical model highlighting the complex evaluations underlying managers' decisions and actions in real-life situations.

The purpose of the study was to develop knowledge about demands and experiences relating to management of socially generated crises in local communities. Interviews were conducted in four municipalities with experiences of such situations, e.g., widely publicized murders, suicides or cases of sexual abuse. A modified grounded theory analysis of the interviews identified six central themes. Two themes pertained to the actual event and its consequences; two concerned the management of the crisis; and two themes focused on reactions and needs among those involved. Basic tensions were identified between confidentiality and openness, between support and accountability and between empathy and distancing. Similarities and differences in relation to management of other kinds of crises are discussed.