The bureaucratisation and professionalisation of security in INGOs: Security-risk management from the perspective of field workers

Abstract

Based on eight in-depth interviews conducted with humanitarian workers working in high-risk areas, this research examines the impact of bureaucratisation and professionalisation of INGOs on their security-risk management. Whereas twentieth century theorist have argued that bureaucracy and professionalisation increase efficiency in public institutions, this research has found that it also impedes on the delivery of humanitarian aid. The increased bureaucratisation and professionalisation of tasks in INGOs has created tensions between different hierarchical levels. In particular, field staff perceives the growing bureaucratisation of security risk management as a coercive and controlling tool used by headquarters to monitor their work at field level. At the same time, field staff have developed strategies to counter restrictive measures to retain independence and autonomy in their security-risk management. These tensions reflect the evolution of the humanitarian sector and the evolving drive behind aid delivery. This research thus contributes to debates around the securitization of the humanitarian sector and the implementation of efficient security risk management. 1. Cover of the book Saving Lives and Staying Alive by M.Neuman and F. Weissman (2016)