Risk perceptions and Y2K readiness

Abstract

A survey study of 50 Southern California hospitals assessed a multilevel model of organizational preparedness for a technological hazard. The model hypothesized that risk perception would mediate the relationship between both organizational-level and individual-level characteristics and hospital preparedness for Y2K. The model was not supported, due to a ceiling effect on Y2K preparedness. These data were also compared to a previous study's findings regarding the seismic preparedness of these same hospitals. Support was found for the prediction that hospitals would report greater Y2K readiness than seismic preparedness.