Interagency operational dynamics and collaborative disaster management in Nairobi city county, Kenya
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Date
2023
Authors
Zakayo, Chris Ndunda
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta university
Abstract
The increasing frequency and severity of disasters is a global security concern which has led to adoption of new disaster management tools embracing collaborative disaster management (CDM). However, to achieve effective collaboration, there is need to understand how the dynamics involved interact and influence collaborative arrangements. Interagency Agency Operational Dynamics (IAOD) which influences CDM includes Organizational Dynamics (OD), Human Dynamics (HD) and Process Dynamics (PD). The study sought to assess the influence of IAOD on CDM in Nairobi City County (NCC), Kenya and specifically assessed the influence of OD, HD and PD on the effectiveness of CDM. The study was anchored on resource dependence theory, social capital theory and institutional collective action theory, it employed both cross sectional survey and phenomenological research designs. Target population was 3045 persons working with disaster management agencies in NCC and a sample size of 317 was selected where senior DMAs were purposively sampled, stratified sampling and simple random sampling was applied to select junior respondents. Data collection instruments used in the study were questionnaires and key informant interview guide. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistical procedures and inferential analysis specifically linear regression. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Findings of the study revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between IAOD and CDM where a correlation coefficient (R) of R=0.326 was obtained, this implied that IAOD influences CDM performance fairly with a strength level of 32.6%. Coefficient of determination (R2) was R2= 0.106: P= 0.00, this implies that 10.6% of variability in CDM is explained by IAOD. As regards influence of specific dynamics on CDM, the study revealed that a correlation coefficient of r =0.203; P= 0.001 was established for OD on CDM, this implies that OD contribute 20.3% of the outcome, for HD and CDM a correlation coefficient r = 0.288; P = 0.000 was established, an indication that HD contributes 28.8 % of outcome while for PD on CDM, a regression coefficient r = 0.191; P= 0.002 was established, an implication the contribution of PD to CDM is 19.1%. From the findings, HD had the greatest influence on CDM compared to other dynamics. The study concludes that managing diversities as a result of inevitable differences in agency cultures, structures, procedures, beliefs, values and philosophies is key to achieving successful collaboration. Regular interactions between agencies create an understanding of each other’s strengths, weaknesses, cultivate trust and help in forming and expanding CDM networks and that having a single disaster coordinative agency is key as it improves coordination process by minimizing competition over which leader or agency is taking charge during CDM. The study recommends the development of policy to guide CDM by managing diversities, creating opportunities for regular interaction through joint training, workshops and meetings and the creation of a single national coordinative agency to be replicated at all levels to offer effective leadership in CDM.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of doctor of philosophy in security studies in the school of law, arts and social sciences, department of security, diplomacy and peace studies, of Kenyatta University, January, 2023
Keywords
Interagency operational dynamics, collaborative disaster management, Nairobi city county, Kenya