11. The Management Handbook for UN Field Missions
- Author:
- Arthur Boutellis and Adam C. Smith
- Publication Date:
- 06-2012
- Content Type:
- Book
- Institution:
- International Peace Institute
- Abstract:
- Why.Is.Management.Important? The UN field mission is a complex beast. From the smallest political mission to the largest peacekeeping operation, it employs a uniquely diverse staff and performs a broad array of tasks in an environment that is sometimes dangerous, often unstable, and always challenging. Resources are scarce and inflexible. Internal regulations and procedures are cumbersome, and, at times, can impede rather than facilitate success. On top of it all, success is often hard to measure or even recognize. Unlike the private sec-tor, success in the field does not come from increased quarterly profits, but rather from a conflict prevented, the perception of a peace dividend, or the renewed optimism of a host population. Unfortunately, UN staff can only contribute to these goals, as so many factors are beyond the mission's control.
- Topic:
- Conflict Resolution, International Relations, Security, International Organization, United Nations, and Peacekeeping