Leadership in Times of Crisis: The Potential for Increasing Social Capital in Displaced and Fragmented Communities

Abstract

Emergency displacement bears ecological, social, and psychological implications. This article examines the role of local leaders in increasing social capital in temporary housing shelters inhabited by displaced and fragmented communities, focusing on the conditions that undermined social capital and the challenges of sustaining it over time. A qualitative study was conducted in Israeli temporary housing shelters during wartime. The study included 21 individual interviews with local leaders across seven of these sites, as well as three focus groups with 25 professional community social workers. Disconnection from supportive systems, the cohabitation of diverse communities, and reduced state involvement undermined social capital. However, local leadership teams play a crucial role in increasing social capital by developing effective communication mechanisms, fostering community decision-making, and promoting a cooperative ethos. Professionals also play a vital role in supporting this leadership. The theoretical contribution of this study lies in advancing understanding of social capital in displaced and fragmented communities during crisis recovery, with particular emphasis on the role of local leaders in building bridging and linking ties. Practically, sustaining this leadership requires national governance structures to establish formal support mechanisms, ensure leaders' access to decision-makers and resources, and encourage professional bodies to invest in long-term leadership development throughout the crisis.