@article{hbkup:/content/journals/10.5339/jemtac.2016.icepq.58, author = "Bistaraki, Angeliki", title = "Interagency collaboration among public health and safety providers in the 2012 London Olympic Games: Perspectives on Leadership", journal= "Journal of Emergency Medicine, Trauma and Acute Care", year = "2016", volume = "2016", number = "2 - International Conference in Emergency Medicine and Public Health-Qatar Proceedings", pages = "", doi = "https://doi.org/10.5339/jemtac.2016.icepq.58", url = "https://www.qscience.com/content/journals/10.5339/jemtac.2016.icepq.58", publisher = "Hamad bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press)", issn = "1999-7094", type = "Journal Article", eid = "58", abstract = "Background: This study used the 2012 London Olympic Games as the empirical context to examine how interagency collaboration took place among the diverse public health and safety agencies involved in this mass gathering event. In order to develop our understanding of how collaboration among the key stakeholders in a mass event may be improved, this study aims at capturing the components that affected the ability of interagency collaboration to deliver its potential. Methods: An exploratory case study design was used. Data were collected before, during and after the Games through semi-structured interviews, direct observations and documentary analysis. Template analysis was used to analyze the interviews' transcripts, the field notes from observations and the documents. The analysis generated a framework of factors influencing interagency collaboration including leadership, communication, governance and knowledge. Results: Leadership shaped interagency collaboration through several characteristics including processes, skills, behaviours and relationships. Findings indicated that accountability issues, the use of guidelines and legislation and the physical presence of the leaders were perceived as fundamental to the implementation of effective collaboration. Effective leaders were supportive, persistent, good listeners and easy to talk. Moreover, interpersonal trust formed the basis for positive interagency collaboration. Conclusion: Recognizing and understanding the above leadership characteristics is an important step towards the support of the collaborative endeavours in mass gathering events.", }