Motivation to volunteer in earthquake mitigation programme among engineering students

Abstract

Lebanon has historically suffered from the effects of devastating earthquakes. To successfully mitigate the cataclysmic effects of such looming disasters, effective preparatory activities and response strategies relying on government resources, community engagement and volunteering programs are crucially essential. The objective of this study is to assess the willingness of engineering students to join earthquake risk reduction programs initiated and led by universities and to determine their motives behind such engagements. In addition, the study aims to identify the competencies of engineering students in supporting response operations when a future earthquake strikes. Lebanese senior and graduate engineering students (n = 332) were surveyed. The findings revealed a strong tendency for Lebanese engineering students to participate in such volunteering programs, and that learning and altruistic factors are the leading predictors behind the intended participation. However, engineering students showed poor competencies and skills that are essentially needed for such a mission. This study emphasises the role of universities and engineering educational and professional programs in earthquake risk mitigation and response operations in future earthquake disasters. © 2014 TEMPUS Publications.