 |
 |
|
Birdflu (May, 2006)Management > Crisis Management > Lectures > Independent Research > Staples
Staples - A New Type of ThreatBird flu is not a pandemic yet, but it could be soon. If it becomes so, the World Health Organisation (WHO) believes the best case scenario is that it will kill 2 million people. Other experts predict that it will affect up to 30% of the world's population and result in over 150 million deaths, with more than a billion people needing medical care. "Should a pandemic occur, it would become the single greatest threat to business continuity and could remain so for up to 18 months". Companies need to draw up detailed plans to prepare for and contain the damage that could occur. A pandemic differs from traditional crises and is generally not considered by continuity planners, who are used to bombs, riots and hurricanes. This would not be a one-off event. It would be continuous and develop over months. Previous strategies include stockpiling on anti-viral medication, but this is not enough, as supplies would be in short supply and a proper vaccine for the disease would not be available for many months after the pandemic has emerged. Tracking a potential pandemic, there are six stages:
We are currently at stage 3 and it is at this stage that firms should start seriously planning for the worst. Planning at level 5 is far too late. "Public fear is an underappreciated part of the threat" (More information on the psychological effects of crises in Mitroff, 2005). One of the main effects a business will face during a pandemic is absenteeism, which could rise to between 15% and 30% due to sickness, family care responsibilities and fear of contagion.
Scott et al. - How a Human Pandemic Could Start Nohria - Survival of the Adaptive Bennis - Leading for the Long Run Fischhoff - Getting Straight Talk Right Brilliant - What to Expect from Government Dobson and Golden - All Eyes on China
|
|
