38 Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest conceptual confusion around concepts related to disaster risk reduction and emergency (and disaster) management being used internationally, which have current and emerging issues for the field. While strategies and standards provide frameworks and benchmarks for the development of emergency management programs, conceptual clarity remains elusive. There is a clear need for further consistency in the understanding and use of core concepts in research and practice. The contributions of this chapter could promote further alignment and enhance disaster practices at local, national, and international levels. Furthermore, alignment can bolster accountability by setting clear and consistent benchmarks for programs to achieve. To move forward, the international community must coalesce around core concepts related and solidify key terms across disciplines to further a unified body of knowledge.