Читать книгу Disaster Response and Recovery - David A. McEntire - Страница 93
2.2.1 Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery and Risk Management
ОглавлениеAs noted, companies often help others affected by disasters. But, before they can assist others, businesses must first understand that crisis events will often affect and disrupt their own commercial activities (Lindstrom, Samuelsson and Hagerfors 2010; Urakawa and Hayashi 2010). For instance, an industrial plant can be destroyed by a chemical explosion/fire. A bank cannot issue loans if computer records are lost due to a power or network outage. A construction company will not function if its employees cannot be contacted and told if they should report for work. Consequently, some companies may hire emergency managers – particularly those that manufacturer, store and ship hazardous materials. However, more common titles for these employees include business continuity planners, disaster recovery specialists and risk managers.
Businesses hire continuity planners who identify what should be done to prepare for crises, emergencies and disasters (Dunaway and Shaw 2010; Rapaport and Kirschenbaum 2008; Paton 1999). These individuals develop continuity plans which identify ways to reestablish facilities and ensure business transactions can continue when disaster strikes. Exxon/Mobil, Raytheon, Marriott, Target and many others have business continuity programs that can be activated in time of disaster.
Some of the other related employees in the private sector are disaster recovery specialists. In the business world, these individuals are concerned about the performance of information technology (e.g., computers, networks, and data storage equipment and facilities, etc.). The continuity of electronic records is of paramount importance to large corporations. Others, such as risk managers, try to limit legal liabilities and file insurance claims. The goal is to minimize any potential for loss or lawsuits, or to help the business rebound as soon as possible. In this sense, business continuity planners, disaster recovery specialists and risk managers perform various emergency management roles for the private sector. Although the goals are slightly different than public sector emergency managers, these individuals desire to maintain operations or resume business functions as soon as possible.