334 Int. J. Risk Assessment and Management, Vol. 9, No. 4, 2008
Copyright © 2008 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
Rumours interplay in disaster management
Judith Molka-Danielsen*
Associate Professor,
Molde University College,
P.O. 2110, N-6402 Molde, Norway
E-mail: 
J.Molka-Danielsen@himolde.no
*Corresponding author
Thomas Beke
Associate Adjunct Professor,
University of Szeged,
Szilléri sgt. 12, 6723 Szeged, Hungary
E-mail: 
beke.tamas@communicatio.hu
Abstract: Rumours affect how rational individuals assess risks, evaluate needs,
and make decisions in disaster-affected environments. This paper presents a
comprehensive understanding of the role of rumours in disaster management.
First we present an objective definition of ‘rumour’ that is a compound
definition including both a message with some degree of false content and a
method of transporting the content. Second, we analyse two well-documented
cases of technological and biological disaster events that have resulted in both
losses to human welfare and economic losses and the interplay of rumours in
these cases. We explain how rumours as objects become enacted and activate
other objects. A model for understanding these interactions of rumours in
disaster environments is developed and explained. Finally, we outline a strategy
for authorities and assistance agencies that can contribute to disaster
management.
Keywords: communications; disaster management; enactment; information;
objects; rumours.
Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Molka-Danielsen, J. and
Beke, T. (2008) ‘Rumours interplay in disaster management’, Int. J. Risk
Assessment and Management, Vol. 9, No. 4, pp.334–350.
Biographical notes: Judith Molka-Danielsen is an Associate Professor in the
Department of Informatics with Molde University College in Norway. She
currently teaches a graduate course on the structural study of knowledge-based
networks and an undergraduate course on e-business. She has a PhD (1998) and
MS from the School of Information Sciences, Telecommunications Program at
the University of Pittsburgh. Her recent research evaluates the fit, adoption and
use of information technologies such as broadband infrastructures, learning
management systems, and e-democracy portals by various social groups.
Thomas Beke has a Degree of Law (1995) from the University of Szeged in
Hungary. He formerly held a joint position (1997–2002) as Director of
Communications with a subsidiary of the company Gaz de France and the
University of Szeged. He has a part time position, Associate Adjunct Professor
of PR and Market Communications with the University of Szeged. He is also