Competencies necessary for the practice of emergency management: Missouri County emergency management directors' perceptions

Emergency management is a relatively new and still evolving field. Professional competencies necessary for the practice of emergency management are important to develop. The purpose of the study was to determine respondents' perceptions of the competencies necessary for the practice of emergency management. A survey instrument was mailed to all county level emergency management directors in Missouri. Seventy usable surveys were returned, for a response rate of 61.40%. Respondents were asked to rank emergency management competencies in order of importance. Competencies were divided into the categories of applied skills and competencies and general knowledge areas. Applied skills and competencies were considered significantly more important than general knowledge areas. Further study of the demographics and emergency management competencies perceptions of emergency managers is warranted.