Anticipation or resilience in times of emergent crisis? COVID-19 responses in the United States, Taiwan, and South Korea

Ray Hsienho Chang, PhD; Wen-Chi Shie, PhD; Yun-Hsiang Hsu, PhD; Hyungjo Hur, PhD

doi:10.5055/jem.0710

Authors

Ray Hsienho Chang, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0456-5426
Wen-Chi Shie, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0545-7758
Yun-Hsiang Hsu, PhD
Hyungjo Hur, PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.0710

Keywords:

COVID-19 response, crisis management, international and comparative studies, qualitative research, content analysis, public health policy

Abstract

This research employs Wildavsky’s two strategies—anticipation and resilience—as our conceptual framework to compare COVID-19 policies in the United States, South Korea, and Taiwan. Also, following Handmer and Dovers’ three types of resilience, we develop theory-driven codes and then explain how governmental structures and cultural factors influenced governmental responses. We found that a key response to this pandemic is arguably correlated with how quick and flexible a government can adopt different types of resilient strategies. Our research provides a foundation for governmental emergency response discussions and management strategies to better cope with public health crises in the future.

Author Biographies

Ray Hsienho Chang, PhD

Department of Security and Emergency Services, Embry-Riddle University Worldwide, Daytona Beach, Florida

Wen-Chi Shie, PhD

Department of Public Administration, National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan

Yun-Hsiang Hsu, PhD

Institute of Law and Government, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan

Hyungjo Hur, PhD

Department of Public Administration, Dankook University, Yongin-si, South Korea

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