Culture and Interoperability in Integrated Missions

Abstract

Integrated missions require people from diverse backgrounds to work together and to work with local populations with whom they may be unfamiliar. In both instances, cultural differences can present challenges or opportunities. This article extends a model of how culture affects interoperability among members of an integrated mission–horizontal interoperability–to the understanding of how culture affects an integrated mission's work with local populations–vertical interoperability. The article identifies seven principles of action which allow integrated missions to take account of culture in engaging local populations. © 2008, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.