Sociological and behavioural impediments to earthquake hazard mitigation

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the behavioural and sociological impediments to successful implementation of earthquake hazard mitigation and to recommend possible intervention strategies. Design/methodology/approach: Data were gathered through a case study methodology and interviews adopted as the research strategy. A semi-structured questionnaire was chosen as a data-collection instrument, with 33 interviews conducted for various stakeholders involved in seismic retrofit decision-making process. Findings: The research main findings include the role of risk perception in diminishing earthquake hazard mitigation, difficulties in assessing benefits and values of seismic retrofit implementation and the hazard mitigation approach adopted by governmental organisations. The findings suggested that stakeholders involved in retrofit decision-making should have a good understanding of the risks faced as well as the implications of their decisions. Originality/value: The paper investigates earthquake hazard mitigation of commercial buildings at the stakeholders-level by adopting a multidisciplinary approach that incorporated decision sciences, policy perspectives and socio-behavioural perspectives. The findings highlight the significance of stakeholders approach to foster adequate mitigation of earthquake risks.