Reactive to proactive to reflective disaster response: Introducing critical reflective practices in disaster risk reduction

Beck (1992) described the modern or postindustrial landscapes as a “risk society.” The fundamental characteristic of this risk society is its interconnectedness and interdependence that makes systems and networks highly complex so much so that they are often vulnerable to abrupt failures. The landscape of risk society is highly prone to social, natural, and technical hazards. The “dangers” created from the combination of these hazards in this interconnected world are hyper/hybrid-risks illustrated through the increase in “natural”/environmental and naturally triggered tec3hnical disasters in general. In such a context, this chapter calls for a “reflective response,” one that is based on critical reflective practices and systems thinking to counter hyper-risks and develop organizational resilience. Some methodologies and methods to promote reflective response are discussed. Usefulness of a reflective response and disaster risk reduction are also explored. A charter of reflective response is suggested.