This study delineates the factors impacting the motivation and job satisfaction of humanitarian logisticians. This study aims to explore their motivations for entering the sector…
Abstract
Purpose
This study delineates the factors impacting the motivation and job satisfaction of humanitarian logisticians. This study aims to explore their motivations for entering the sector and the reasons for persisting despite the challenges.
Design/methodology/approach
Using an exploratory research design, data were gathered through online semi-structured questionnaires distributed to international and national non-governmental organisations (NGOs), UN agencies, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the logistics cluster and the Humanitarian Logistics Association.
Findings
This study reveals that humanitarian organisations, along with their policies, culture and practices, significantly influence staff well-being. Altruistic motives drive logisticians to support those in need, aligning with their moral standards. However, job satisfaction declines due to issues such as management practices, unfairness, bureaucracy and other factors affecting work-life balance.
Practical implications
These findings offer insights for humanitarian organisations to address the challenges faced by logisticians and enhance their well-being. Understanding the issues before, during and after deployment is crucial for organisational focus. Representatives from some NGOs expressed optimism about the usefulness of this data during the collection process.
Originality/value
This research pioneers an examination of the motivation and satisfaction of humanitarian logisticians, contributing to the existing body of knowledge on human resources in the non-profit sector.
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Keywords
The aim of this paper was to investigate the criteria and sub-criteria with the most impact on determining a suitable location for refugee camps. This paper also analysed the…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper was to investigate the criteria and sub-criteria with the most impact on determining a suitable location for refugee camps. This paper also analysed the relationships between the main criteria used in the selection process.
Design/methodology/approach
This study applied a combination of fuzzy methods and the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and Analytical Network Process (ANP) methods as tools for multiple-criteria decision analysis. A questionnaire was distributed to field workers in an international humanitarian organization team.
Findings
Five main criteria and twenty sub-criteria were defined. Between them, the highest ranked sub-criteria were long-term planning, optimal distribution and opportunity for growth. These findings were specific to the interviewed respondents of presented research at the time the data were collected and offer a potential research design for future research examining different organizations and teams.
Research limitations/implications
The methods and evaluation were based on human opinions that were potentially biased.
Practical implications
The results of this study could be useful to government organizations, UN agencies, humanitarian organizations and other decision-making parties in selecting camp locations for refugees or internally displaced people according to how the importance of particular sub-criteria is understood.
Originality/value
New sub-criteria were included in this research. To date, the combination of fuzzy, DEMATEL and ANP methods has not been previously used in relation to these issues. Scientific knowledge concerning refugee camp siting problems is limited. This research extends this knowledge with the involvement of humanitarian workers as respondents. This paper also offers organizations a process for solving complex decision-making problems with long-term results or effect.
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Elvira Kaneberg, Wojciech D. Piotrowicz, Jana Abikova, Tore Listou, Sarah Aline Schiffling, Claudia Paciarotti, Diego Vega and Kristjana Adalgeirsdottir
The purpose of this study is to analyse the crisis network response of European countries and the role played by defence organizations (DOs) during the early response phase of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to analyse the crisis network response of European countries and the role played by defence organizations (DOs) during the early response phase of the pandemic, here set to encompass 75 days.
Design/methodology/approach
Published materials – reports, news and communications – provided by authorities and DOs were used. Some of the authors actively participated in national pandemic response networks. An exploratory approach and qualitative content analysis were applied. The data were collected in national languages from 13 European countries, and they were coded and analysed using the actors, resources and activities (ARA) framework.
Findings
This study identified three main categories of activity structures in which the DOs interacted with civilian members of response networks, health-related services, logistics services and public support services. These networks among actors were found within formal response systems and emergent networks. The DOs engaged as actors that provided a range of services when civil authorities could not cope with the huge demand for specific services and when resources were scarce in the initial response phase.
Originality/value
This study contributes by filling an important research gap with regard to the civil-military relations associated with the use of DO resources in the civil response to the pandemic crisis in Europe, which is described as an untraditional response. The ARA network approach provides a framework for arranging ARA and extends the wider civil-military network to expand the formal networks of the early crisis response. The study lays knowledge about the co-operation between civilian and military actors in different contexts and provides a broader understanding of the roles that DOs played in the response operations.