Utilizing a Sense of Community Theory in Order to Optimize Interagency Response to Complex Contingencies

摘要

The efficacy of the United States during complex contingency operations depends on a 'whole of nation' approach to solving complex problems. Psychological sense of community (PSOC) theory provides the link that explains how an organization can bridge the critical gap from the development of an adequate C2 architecture to an organization in action. This research found that the rank of military members had a significant impact on their PSOC towards either the joint, own Service or interagency community. However, it also found that this disparity in sense of community along with predilections towards the perceived importance or efficacy of other's community can be overcome with experience and education. These findings have significance for interagency policy makers who need to find ways to ensure that trust interaction, and fulfillment of goals occurs when the interagency is called upon to attend to crises or problems.