Beyond proximity: The social and spatial dynamics of collaboration in community energy initiatives

This research examines how actual and perceived spatial distance from group members shape collaboration intentions in the context of community energy initiatives. While previous studies highlight in-group identification and interpersonal contact for community engagement, the role distance plays in this has received less attention. Across two studies (N total = 195, N total = 287), we tested across spatially different groups (neighbourhood, city, nation, family, workplace) whether indicators of greater (perceived) spatial distance were indicative of less interpersonal contact, lower identification with the group and weaker collaboration intentions. Our results indicate that perceived spatial distance did not correspond to actual spatial differences across groups, suggesting that perceived distance does not always reflect actual distance. However, members who perceive other members as less distant report stronger interpersonal contact, identification (Studies 1 and 2) and collaboration intentions (Study 2). Associations between interpersonal contact, identification and collaboration intentions were consistent across groups, suggesting that these processes are rather universal, while the role and interpretation of distance fluctuate between the groups tested. These results contribute to t/0258heory by clarifying the interplay between spatial and social dimensions of groups, and by showing how perceptions of space shape identification and intentions to engage in community-based energy.