The Psychological Dynamics of Civil-Military Collaboration
Abstract
This research was conducted in support of a Defence R and D Canada - Toronto (DRDC Toronto) applied research project (ARP) examining civil-military relations in operations. Military engagements today often require the coordinated efforts of civilian and military assets. Close collaboration with civilian actors may, however, present challenges for militaries, including the Canadian Forces (CF). Previous research suggests a number of potential barriers to effective collaboration among civilian and military actors, including a lack of respect and shared power (Thomson, Adams, Hall, and Flear, 2010; Thomson, Adams, Hall, Brown, and Flear, 2011). Thus, the current research explored psychological dynamics of civil-military collaboration with a focus on the role of respect and power in terms of the process and outcomes of collaboration, through a scenario-based laboratory study. CF personnel and individuals representing non-governmental organizations (NGOs) worked through two operational scenarios using Skype. Scenarios represented CF jurisdiction (project security scenario - PS scenario) and NGO jurisdiction (refugee camp scenario - RC scenario). Results suggested that NGO personnel felt less respected and reported having less power in the RC scenario compared to the PS scenario. Correlational analyses also showed relationships between respect and power and the process of collaboration and outcomes. For example, greater perceptions of being respected and having some power and influence within the negotiation was related to a more integrative negotiation and a more positive perception of ones counterpart and the counterparts organization, as well as more satisfaction with the negotiation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- AD1016977
Entities
People
- Barbara D. Adams
- Craig R. Flear
- Emily-ana Filardo
- Michael H. Thomson
- Yvonne C. Dewit