Spontaneous Venturing: An Entrepreneurial Approach to Alleviating Suffering in the Aftermath of a Disaster (The MIT Press)

Spontaneous Venturing: An Entrepreneurial Approach to Alleviating Suffering in the Aftermath of a Disaster (The MIT Press)

by Dean A. Shepherd (Author), Trenton A. Williams (Author)

Synopsis

Identifying a new approach to disaster response: spontaneous, compassionate, and impromptu actions to alleviate suffering. In Spontaneous Venturing, Dean Shepherd and Trenton Williams identify and describe a new approach for responding to disaster and suffering: the local organizing of spontaneous, compassionate, and impromptu actions-the rapid emergence of a compassionate venture. This approach, termed by the authors spontaneous venturing, can be more effective than the traditional command-and-control methods of large disaster relief organizations. It can customize and target resources and deliver them quickly, helping victims almost immediately. For example, during the catastrophic 2009 bushfires in Victoria, Australia-the focal disaster for the book-residents organized an impromptu relief center that collected and distributed urgently needed goods without red tape. Special bonds and friendships formed among the volunteers and victims; some were both volunteer and victim. Many victims were able to mobilize resources despite considerable personal losses. Shepherd and Williams describe the lasting impact of disaster and tell the stories of Victoria residents who organized in the aftermath of the bushfires. They consider the limitations of traditional disaster relief efforts and explain that when victims take action to help others, they develop behavioral, emotional, and assumptive resilience; venturing leads to social interaction, community connections, and other positive outcomes. Finally, they explore spontaneous venturing in a less-developed country, investigating the activities of Haitians after the devastating 2010 earthquake. The lesson for communities hit by disaster: find opportunities for compassionate action.

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 248
Publisher: MIT Press
Published: 18 Dec 2018

ISBN 10: 0262038870
ISBN 13: 9780262038874

Author Bio
Dean A. Shepherd is Ray and Milann Siegfried Professor of Entrepreneurship in the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame. Trenton A. Williams is Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship in the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.