Does intercultural competence matter? : new perspectives on relationship-building in unarmed civilian protection
Year: 2018
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Objective: Previous research has shown that building positive relationships with locals is crucial for the effectiveness and personal safety of Unarmed Civilian Peacekeepers/ Protectors (UCPs). The present study investigated how UCPs attempt to build such relationships, what role intercultural competence plays and what challenges UCPs face in this endeavor. \n \nMethods: Situated within the grounded theory methodology, semi-structured interviews with 12 former and current UCPs from three different non-governmental organizations were conducted. Data analysis followed common open and selective coding procedures. \n \nFindings: Results suggest that UCPs’ main strategies for building positive relationships with locals are finding similarities with the locals, being respectful, and, most importantly, behaving in open-minded ways. Intercultural competence proved integral to building positive relationships with locals, with most interviewees associating it with self-awareness. The most commonly reported challenges in building positive relationships with locals include feelings of intense stress and pressure, and a propensity for abandoning a balanced perspective on the given conflict. Curiously, team-internal relationships were viewed as much more volatile and prone to conflict than relationships with locals, especially in moments of loneliness, boredom and consensus decision-making. \n \nConclusion: While positive relationships with the locals are the bedrock of Unarmed Civilian Peacekeeping/ Protection, and intercultural competence plays a crucial role therein, the present study also highlights the troubles of building and maintaining them.
Author: Erich Molz
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2800475194