Objective: This case study elaborates on the theme of crisis planning and addresses the question of the use of crisis plans in an actual crises.
Method: The study is based on data collected during a water pollution incident, and consist of interviews, notes, and observations at a Municipal Council, County Administrative Board, and County Council in Sweden.
Result: Merton’s concept of manifest and latent function offers a new understanding in the discussion of crisis plans. The water pollution crisis was managed by professionals using their professional knowledge and skills, even though the situation was new to them. Not by following a crisis plan, but by being part in the development of the plan.
Conclusion: The results show that the organizations did not use their crisis plan during the incident, but the making of the plan was supportive. It helped responding personnel think systematically about how to handle a crisis situation.