A critical examination of the applicability of teleworking as a part of business continuity planning in the UAE police force

Abstract

This study determines the effect of teleworking as a component of the business continuity plan with specific reference to the planning of policing operations in the administrative and operational divisions of the police force. This was prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic and focused on its effect on efficiency, resilience, and continuity. It further explored whether teleworking as a component of the business continuity plan with specific reference to the planning of policing operations in the administrative and operational divisions of the police force can attain service parity plus its benefits and challenges and strategies for effective adoption. The paper takes a mixed-methods approach where the research integrates interview-based thematic analysis and survey data subjected to statistical analysis. Findings indicate that teleworking improved productivity and flexibility. The study focuses on the hybrid model, technological infrastructure, and on-going training and leadership in maximizing teleworking (as part of business continuity planning (BCP), with specific reference to policing operations planning in police force's administrative and operational divisions). Change management challenges, technology gaps, and risks of information security and technology infrastructure are areas of concern that have actionable recommendations to address. This research deems teleworking (as part of business continuity planning (BCP), with specific reference to policing operations planning in police force's administrative and operational divisions) as a vital component of organizational continuity planning and provides perspectives on the effective and sustainable integration of this planning into policing operations.