| Summary: | Thesis (MComm (Industrial Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2008. === The introduction of a multidimensional approach towards peace missions in
complex emergencies emphasises the importance of coordination between the
military and the humanitarian components at all levels of interaction.
Cooperation and coordination between the military and humanitarian
components are critical in achieving a common goal to alleviate suffering and
save lives. The challenge is how to develop, enhance and sustain an effective
working relationship to overcome the conflicting views on coordination from the
military and humanitarian perspectives. Humanitarians fear the loss of
independence and neutrality when associated with the military. The military tend
to undermine humanitarians role and functions in becoming directly involved in
humanitarian action. During selection, the military needs to identify members
who firstly conform to the generic psychological peacekeeping profile and who
secondly, portray the skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the coordination
function between the military and the humanitarian component. The challenge
remains to select competent military members in the absence of a psychological
profile for the coordination function. Through this research, the psychological
profile for a Civil Military Coordination Officer is defined. In the theoretical
discussion, the importance of coordination is emphasised through analyses of
the challenges, roles, functions and behaviours associated with Civil Military
Coordination Officers in multidimensional peace missions. The theoretical
foundation and primary data from field research are integrated in a competency
model for Civil Military Coordination Officers. The results of this research are
presented as a model of provisional selection criteria for Civil Military
Coordination Officers.
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