Linking information provision to behavioural intentions

Abstract

Purpose Disaster information is an important resource for flood preparedness, however, the transition of information provision to preparedness and consequently to damage reduction is complex. The nature of complexity has made it imperative to provide context-specific evidence on how disaster information provision influences intentions to prepare for flood hazard. This paper seeks to investigate how message clarity and source credibility mediate and moderate the relationship between information sufficiency and intentions to prepare. This paper aims to provide valuable insights into the relationship between the major components of disaster communication and their influence on intentions to prepare. Design/methodology/approach The study used a cross-sectional survey design to test the relationship between information sufficiency, message clarity and source credibility. A total of 1,064 questionnaire surveys were conducted on a face-to-face basis. The data collection was done in one month with ten research assistants. Participants of the study were randomly selected from adults over 18-years old who have lived in the study areas for at least three years. Responses from participants were analysed using a structural equation modelling (SEM) technique and SPSS AMOS version 24 software. Findings Findings suggest that the information sufficiency-intentions to prepare relationship is enhanced when adequate disaster information communicated is clear and from a credible source. This implies that policymakers and risk communicators need to critically assess the clarity of disaster information content and the credibility of the source in the dissemination of information during the communication process. It also provides a better understanding of the factors that influence people’s intentions to prepare for flood hazards. Research limitations/implications This current study did not account for the specific nature or content of information necessary to increase message clarity and source credibility for disaster preparedness. In addition, the study did not cover the channels of communication ideal to stimulate people’s intentions to flood preparedness. Although these do not undermine the significance of the present study, they present entry points for further studies. In view of the on-going urbanisation dynamics and the complex socio-spatial patterns emerging in the Greater Accra Area, it is recommended that further studies explore the channels of communication that will suit the diverse socio-spatial profile of residents (e.g. age, location, ethnicity, etc.). Originality/value While a plethora of studies emphasize the role of source credibility, information sufficiency and message clarity towards disaster preparedness, there is at present little evidence on the mediating and moderating role of the communication variables. In this study, we propose and test the mediating and moderating role of message clarity and source credibility on the relationship between information sufficiency and intentions to prepare. The findings of this paper provide other incentives that encourage message audiences to take up precautionary measures towards flood hazards. In addition, with a view that people fail to prepare because of lack of sufficient information, the study findings suggest that the provision of sufficient information may enhance preparedness.

Relationship between manager credibility, strategic alignment and employee motivation

“…Manager credibility has a significant influence on employee motivation (Esfahani et al, 2014). When manager credibility is low, the work environment is obstructed by pessimism and distrust; stakeholders therefore expect high levels of credibility and morals from organisation members (Abunyewah, Gajendran, Maund, & Okyere, 2019;Esfahani et al, 2014;Kubicek & Cockram, 2019).…”

“…The credibility of management can have positive or negative implications on organisational outcomes (Abunyewah et al, 2019;Jamal & Abu Bakar, 2017;Kubicek & Cockram, 2019;Men, 2012). The more credible the source of communication within organisations is deemed to be, the more able he or she is to influence stakeholders (Abunyewah et al, 2019;Metzger & Flanagin, 2013). Employees who have positive perceptions of their manager's credibility are more likely to be strategically aware and proactive (Andrews, Boyne, Meier, O'Toole, & Walker, 2012;Strobel et al, 2017).…”

Risk Information Sources for Snow Disaster Risk Preparedness in Scotland

“…In this context, clarity of information, language used, power, expertise, and trust (Adekola 2020) can affect how recipients understand risk information, and take appropriate action to protect themselves or others (Hansson et al 2020). Similarly, Abunyewah et al (2019) indicate that accessible, comprehensive, and tailored disaster information strongly influences intentions to prepare for disasters. The social-mediated crisis communication model (Austin et al 2012) highlights the importance of the social network in facilitating information exchange.…”

Flooding in mega-cities: using structural equation modeling to assess flood impact in Dhaka

“…It engages both the inner city and peri-urban areas of Dhaka to extend current conversations on the various conditions underlying flood impact to offer entry points for integrated flood management interventions at the microlevel. Additionally, by looking at multiple factors and their relationships, this article brings the more recent discourse on the multilayered and interconnected dimensions of flood vulnerability, damage and risk reduction at the microlevel in global south cities to Dhaka (Abunyewah et al, 2020;Abunyewah et al, 2019;Seddiky et al, 2020) The article is organized into six sections. Section 2 introduces the theoretical underpinnings of the study.…”

“…Such people are vulnerable to natural hazards because of their physical condition and financial dependency (Cutter et al, 2003;Schneiderbauer, 2007). Several studies also show that low literacy increases disaster exposure, as it limits household access to disaster information and communication (Abunyewah et al, 2020;Abunyewah et al, 2019). Sociodemographic factors are, therefore, related to risk (Abunyewah et al, 2018;Cutter, 1996).…”