Leadership and information dissemination: challenges and opportunities in COVID-19

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore leadership and information dissemination during a crisis like COVID-19. The article reviews the information produced and published during the crisis. The author proposes a typology of information and categorizes messages based on their contextualization within the Caribbean environment.Design/methodology/approachThe research method is developed around three main stages: a review of literature on leadership and information dissemination; synthesis of information to inform the typology; and discussion of the information reflecting the interplay between leadership and information dissemination.FindingsThe literature shows a legacy of deceit that dominates the history of healthcare for Blacks and Caribbean people. This heritage has helped to fashion individual attitudes toward the COVID-19 pandemic in the Caribbean. The research also highlights that in addressing the several typologies of information, varying leadership styles came to bare. The democratic leadership style was the most dominant among the Caribbean countries, while some illustrations of autocratic leadership were visible. Other leadership facets and traits fashion responses by the leaders in managing information dissemination during the crisis. The paper also observes a triangular system of information which highlights where influences exist between relationships (governments, media/NGOs and society) and how such relationships lend to shaping the behavior of others.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations on the research are based on the author's philosophy and interpretation. In addition, much of the information surrounding COVID-19 is novel and hence difficult to fact-check because of the unique nature of COVID-19.Practical implicationsThis paper provides a better understanding of the typology of information during a crisis like COVID-19. The discussion on leveraging leadership strategy and competencies for dissemination of information during a crisis provides an optimistic perspective to guide leaders in managing information dissemination during a crisis.Social implicationsThe typology is helpful in delineating the way society interprets information based on other crisis. It also helps with assessing the leadership styles and understanding potential tailor-made strategies.Originality/valueThe development of an information typology that provides insight into the influence that historical perspectives give to interpreting information in a health crisis in a Caribbean context. The research also looks at the strategies pursued by Caribbean leaders as they adopt novel and promising techniques to communicate during a crisis.

Inovasi Kolaboratif pada Kepemimpinan Bapa Raja dalam Masa Krisis COVID-19 di Bumi Raja-Raja

“…Sebagai pemimpin masyarakat dengan cakupan pemahaman yang lebih mendalam terhadap karakteristik masyarakatnya, Bapa Raja tidak hanya mensosialisasikan pentingnya "baku keku" dalam memberantas virus COVID-19 di Maluku, namun juga menekankan penyerahan bantuan harus dapat menjangkau semua lapisan masyarakat lintas agama (Wang, 2017;Pounder, 2022). Untuk itu, Bapa Raja bersama para pemuka agama berupaya menggerakkan rasa persaudaraan umatnya dengan mengalokasikan bantuan kepada yang membutuhkan, tidak perlu memandang suku, ras atau bahkan agama (Mawela et al, 2017;Reinwald & Kraemmergaard, 2012).…”

“…Keresahan lainnya yang timbul dilingkungan masyarakat akibat COVID-19 adalah ancaman kelangkaan pangan. Untuk mengatasi keresahan ini, Bupati Maluku Tenggara bersama unsur TNI/ Polri, tokoh agama, dan Bapak Raja mendorong masyarakat untuk menanam pangan lokal di ve'e kes yang atau kebun perbekalan (Pounder, 2022).…”

Transformational Leadership in Times of Crisis: Study of Handling COVID-19 in Bumi Raja-Raja

“…As a community leader with a deeper understanding of the characteristics of his community, Bapa Raja not only socialized the importance of "baku keku" in eradicating the COVID-19 virus in Maluku but also emphasized that the delivery of aid must be able to reach all levels of society across religions (Pounder, 2022;Wang, 2017). For this reason, Bapa Raja and religious leaders are trying to encourage a sense of brotherhood among their people by allocating aid to those in need, regardless of ethnicity, race, or even religion (Mawela et al, 2017;Reinwald & Kraemmergaard, 2012).…”

“…Another anxiety that has arisen in society due to COVID-19 is the threat of food scarcity. To overcome this concern, the Regent of Southeast Maluku, together with elements of the TNI/Polri, religious leaders, and Bapa Raja, encouraged the community to grow local food in ve'e kes yang or supply gardens (Pounder, 2022). In Central Maluku Regency.…”

“…An adaptive leader role is needed and can present solutions amidst unexpected environmental conditions. According to Santoso et al (2022) it takes a leader who has effective communication skills and can build strong relationships with the community to stop the chain of the spread of COVID-19 (Biggs et al, 2023;Dumdum et al, 2013;Pounder, 2022). Meanwhile, according to Northouse (2019), a transformational leader is a type of leader who has a strong vision and high commitment.…”