Capacity

Capacity is often used in an interchangeable way with Capability.

Definitions

National Definitions

United Kingdom (UK)

Capacity – is the combination of all the strengths and resources available within a community, society or organisation which can reduce the level of risk, or the effects of a disaster (also known as capability)

Standard Definition

ISO 22300:2012(en)

Combination of all the strengths and resources available within an organization, community or society that can reduce the level of risk, or the effects of a crisis.

Note: Capacity can include physical, institutional, social, or economic means as well as skilled personnel or attributes such as leadership and management.

Other Definitions

CARICOM

Capacity is the combination of all the strengths, attributes and resources available within a community, society or organisation that can be used to achieve agreed goals.

Capacity may include infrastructure and physical means, institutions, societal coping abilities, as well as human knowledge, skills and collective attributes such as social relationships, leadership and management. Capacity also may be described as capability. Capacity assessment is a term for the process by which the capacity of a group is reviewed against desired goals, and the capacity gaps are identified for further action (UNISDR, 2009).

ICDRM/GWU

The ability to evaluate and care for a markedly increased volume of patients—one that challenges or exceeds normal operating capacity. The surge requirements may extend beyond direct patient care to include such tasks as extensive laboratory studies or epidemiological investigations.

See also

• Capability
• Civil Protection
• Crisis
• Emergency Management