The effect of WhatsApp-based leadership communication on neighborhood security
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14295/bjs.v5i6.865Keywords:
leadership communication, perceived neighborhood security, WhatsApp, digital communication, local leadershipAbstract
This study examines the relationship between WhatsApp-based leadership communication and perceptions of neighborhood safety. This study used a cross-sectoral exploratory quantitative survey of 92 residents of Bojong Lio Village, Cilodong District, Depok City, Indonesia, who are members of a neighborhood WhatsApp group. Respondents were selected using purposive sampling based on their participation in neighborhood-level WhatsApp communication. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale and analyzed using descriptive statistics and simple linear regression. The results showed a positive and statistically significant relationship between leadership communication and perceptions of neighborhood safety. A correlation coefficient of 0.750 indicates a strong relationship, while a coefficient of determination of 0.562 indicates that 56.2% of the variation in neighborhood safety perceptions can be statistically explained by leadership communication. The regression equation is Y = 11.192 + 0.354X, indicating that higher-quality leadership communication is associated with higher perceptions of neighborhood safety. Descriptive findings also revealed that clarity of information, leader activeness, understandable language, coordination skills, and clear directions were the most prominent aspects of communication. In terms of security, the highest-ranking indicators included residents' response to disturbances, sense of security, rapid dissemination of security information, and cooperation among residents. These findings suggest that WhatsApp-based leadership communication can support neighborhood coordination and perceived preparedness, although the cross-sectional study design limits causal conclusions.
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