Apparently, businesses do disaster better. This was one of the key lessons during Hurricane Katrina which has now led the Red Cross to form a new disaster response partnership with Wal-Mart. Naiomi Campbell offers a unique perspective of this sort of partnership could lead to dependence on a skewed system of disaster capitalism. Read her article, "Pay to Be Saved," at the Nation.
Implications - When a disaster strikes, companies rally together to help those in need. The companies are able to demonstrate corporate social responsibility and maintain a positive image for themselves. By doing this, those effected will also associate the company with humanitarianism for their help during desperate times.
Disaster Capitalism
Red Cross Partners with Walmart for Disaster Relief
Trend Themes
1. Disaster Relief Partnerships - Creating partnerships between disaster relief organizations and companies like Walmart can provide more effective and efficient response to disasters.
2. Dependence on Skewed System - The formation of disaster response partnerships with corporations may lead to a system of disaster capitalism, where help during emergencies becomes dependent on corporate involvement.
3. Corporate Social Responsibility - Companies participating in disaster relief efforts can enhance their corporate social responsibility image and improve public perception.
Industry Implications
1. Disaster Relief - The disaster relief industry can benefit from forming strategic partnerships with corporations to improve disaster response and recovery efforts.
2. Retail - Retail industry, represented by Walmart in this case, can explore opportunities to collaborate with disaster relief organizations and leverage their resources for meaningful humanitarian impact.
3. Media and Commentary - Media and commentary industries have the opportunity to discuss, analyze, and raise awareness about the potential consequences and benefits of disaster capitalism and corporate involvement in disaster response.