Dynamics of Interagency Networks under Stress in Public Health Emergencies: Evidence from China. Issue 4 (4th July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Niu, Yifan; Tao, Zhigang; Zhang, Haibo
• Is Part Of: Public performance & management review. Volume 45:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 799
• Page End: 827
• Publication Date: 2022-07-04
• Subjects: Public health emergencies -- emergency response -- network analysis -- structural dynamics -- interorganizational networks -- covid-19; Civil service -- Labor productivity -- Periodicals; Civil service -- Labor productivity -- United States -- Periodicals; Government productivity -- Periodicals; Government productivity -- United States -- Periodicals; Public administration -- Periodicals; Public administration -- United States -- Periodicals; Civil service -- Labor productivity; Government productivity; Public administration; United States; Periodicals; 351.05
• DOI: 10.1080/15309576.2022.2045616
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1530-9576

Abstract

Abstract: Disasters are continuously evolving complex processes. Coupling with rapidly changing conditions, response networks must change to meet external needs and adapt to the environment. This study explores the dynamics between stress and structural and functional characteristics of response networks in the centralized political context. Semantic analysis of policy documents shows that unmet needs are an underlying driver of the formation and the dynamics of task-oriented interagency networks. Network analysis shows that the interagency network is a hybrid network that evolves from a decentralized to a centralized structure as stress decreases. Moreover, the leading organizations also shift, which confirms the coordination by feedback in emergency response. After discussing research findings, this study offers recommendations (a) to identify and empower brokers for better coordination and (b) to combine coordination by feedback and coordination by plan.