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Contingencies Crisis Mgmt - 2022 - Davidson - A social identity perspective on interoperability in the emergency services.pdf (735.48 kB)

A social identity perspective on interoperability in the emergency services: emergency responders’ experiences of multi-agency working during the COVID-19 response in the UK

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posted on 2023-06-10, 05:45 authored by Louise DavidsonLouise Davidson, Holly Elisabeth Carter, Richard Amlôt, John DruryJohn Drury, Alexander Haslam, Matthew Radburn, Clifford Stott
Recent research has shown that multi-agency emergency response is beset by a range of challenges, calling for a greater understanding of the way in which these teams work together to improve future multi-agency working. Social psychological research shows that a shared identity within a group can improve the way in which that group works together and can facilitate effective outcomes. In the present study, 52 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 strategic and/or tactical responders during the COVID-19 pandemic to understand the possible role of shared identity in the multi-agency response to COVID-19 and whether this was linked to factors that facilitated or challenged interoperability. Findings show evidence of a shared identity at a horizontal intergroup level among responders locally. However, there was limited evidence for a shared identity at the vertical intergroup level between local and national responders. Three key factors linked to shared identity appeared to contribute to effective multi-agency working. First, pre-existing relationships with other responders facilitated the ease with which responders were able to work together initially. Second, a sense of ‘common fate’ helped bring responders together, and finally, group leaders were able to strategically reinforce a sense of shared identity within the group.

Funding

Facilitating the public response to COVID-19 by harnessing group processes; ESRC; ES/V005383/1

Health Protection Research Unit; NIHR; NIHR200890

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management

ISSN

0966-0879

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell

Page range

1-19

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2022-12-19

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2022-12-19

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2022-12-19

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