A Study on Cross-Cultural Integration Mechanisms Employed in Peacekeeping Operations within the Context of Cultural Dimensions: The UNIFIL Case

The purpose of the study is to examine cultural dimensions and interactions of peacekeeping operations within the context of Turkish contingent conributing to United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). In this study, integration mechanisms employed by Turkish contingent contributing to UNIFIL multinational peacekeeping operation in order to solve cross-cultural problems are discussed conceptually within the context of cultural dimensions. The research is based on quantitative data collected by questionnaires and qualitative data gatheret via interviews conducted both in Lebanon and Turkey. The results of the perceptions of the participants on the cultural integrating mechanisms generally supported the previous studies of determining Turkish culture with high power distance, strong uncertainity avaoidance, slightly feminine and collective with regard to Hofstede’s cultural dimensions Within the context of cultural integrations mechanisms, “awareness of the cultural diversities” by means of “trying to understand other cultures besides one’s own culture” is emphasized in the study as the best way of creating an effective joint management culture in multi-cultural environments that require intensive international cooperation.