Humanitarian work psychology

Abstract

Summary This chapter contributes to the theory of humanitarian work psychology (HWP) by addressing change and transformational aspects of multistakeholder engagement and alignment of change processes across institutions involved or impacted by a large scale change project. It proposes to link organizational and industrial psychology with New Diplomacies whose core competencies are essential for the success of humanitarian work psychologists in promoting or implementing a pro-social change agenda in an international context. Important challenges confront the humanitarian work psychologist working in international development namely poverty, social inequalities and aid effectiveness which in turn effect the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This article offers two case examples that illustrate the field of New Diplomacies and humanitarian work psychology and show how the related new skills and knowledge areas can provide crucial support for the internationally active humanitarian work psychology professionals. Large scale social change in international humanitarian and development work requires acquisition and application of competencies pertaining to the field of New Diplomacies. These competencies are needed to orchestrate coherence and alignment of actions in order to bring about desired change in the development arena. They are also part of the prerequisites for humanitarian work psychology professionals which are needed to achieve greater social and humanitarian resilience and agility of our societies, be they part of the developed or developing family of nations.