Sensemaking in Internatinal Humanitarian Response - Governing through UNDAC: the Case of the Türkiye Earthquake

Diplôme Master Sensemaking in Internatinal Humanitarian Response - Governing through UNDAC: the Case of the Türkiye Earthquake eng 2024-06-10 author Cotte Cabarcas Nicolas 815142 director Bourrier Mathilde 0000-0003-3435-3384 640202 Service enseignement, recherche, administratif et technique (SdS) (SCSPS) 70 <p>This research explores the process of sensemaking in organizational communications within the UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC), a global network managed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Incorporating theoretical frameworks coming from sociology of organizations the objective of the study is to delve into how UNDAC's methodology, training, and roster management take part and contribute to global governance in humanitarian response to disasters. The intersection of global governance and functions within UN Organizations adds a critical dimension to the study. Based on the case study of the UNDAC team that deployed in Türkiye after the devastating earthquakes of February 6th 2023 I develop a theoretical reflection about sensemaking processes in loosely coupled systems facing ambiguity and uncertainty. The UNDAC End of Mission Report and other material such as the Induction Course that UNDAC roster members must take part of, provide the basis to reflect about theory connected to real-world disaster management contexts. The idea is to critically evaluate UNDAC as a global governance network for emergency deployment, considering both possibilities and limitations. The international humanitarian community is aiming more and more for localization in actions. Factors such as climate change, economic uncertainties, geopolitical unrest, and persistent conflicts in the current critical juncture elucidate the need for evolving and adapting to the new challenges to come. This research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of navigating the evolving humanitarian landscape, offering insights into its adaptability and effectiveness in the face of contemporary challenges. Understanding sensemaking both as a methodology and as a process will allow us to build on the analysis to reflect on the necessity for localized action and understanding context. Key findings highlight the importance of sensemaking in coordinating international humanitarian response efforts, emphasizing how UNDAC manages ambiguity and uncertainty while facilitating effective coordination among diverse actors. Despite the network's strengths in adaptability and trust-building, challenges persist due to institutional constraints and power dynamics, limiting comprehensive contextualization and integration of local perspectives.</p> Dewey 301 Master in Sustainable Societies and Social Change 197 Institut de recherches sociologiques TG 122 Département de sociologie T4 false 7f0bf04b-36d8-4d01-853e-b6cf9f0589cd Sustainable societies and social change 9921478e-3b0d-440e-886e-a6cc024baa6c Master thesis Restricted MasterThesisNicolasC._SensemakingIn.pdf 1246486 application/pdf edf2a4677eb00d485b092a83bb95f28bb5b9d993d7b4d0d9de0ad56090a963da restrictedAccess Faculté des sciences de la société / Institut de recherches sociologiques Faculté des sciences de la société / Département de sociologie

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Sensemaking in Internatinal Humanitarian Response - Governing through UNDAC: the Case of the Türkiye Earthquake				2024	189	7

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Cotte Cabarcas, Nicolas

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