Fostering Cross-Cultural Excellence: Crafting A Comprehensive Peacekeeping Mission Culture Handbook with Insights from Military Experts on Mission

Abstract

Military Experts on Missions (MEoMs) deployed by their respective nations for United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping missions require comprehensive training and knowledge to effectively fulfill their roles. A crucial aspect of this preparation is an intense understanding of the culture and cultural norms prevalent among the local populace in the mission area. The current training program at the Malaysian Peacekeeping Centre (MPC) falls short in this regard, as it imparts only generic cultural information. Such a broad approach proves insufficient for adequately supporting MEoMs during deployment to specific mission areas, often necessitating on-the-job learning from already deployed colleagues or through firsthand experiences. Former MEoMs emerge as valuable repositories of detailed cultural insights acquired through direct involvement in mission areas. Possessing tacit knowledge derived from their personal experiences, these individuals offer a nuanced understanding of cultural dynamics and challenges encountered in the mission locale. Failure to comprehend the local culture exposes MEoMs in UN peacekeeping missions to potential difficulties in engaging with the local population and collaborating effectively with mission attendees, including civilian personnel. Systematic extraction of this tacit knowledge through appropriate qualitative methods is imperative. The resulting insights should be disseminated among upcoming MEoMs allocated for similar mission areas, ensuring they are equipped with comprehensive information prior to deployment. This approach aims to fortify their cultural preparedness and enhance their ability to navigate and engage successfully within the diverse cultural landscapes encountered during UN Peacekeeping missions.