1860: Competition and Cooperation in Humanitarian Operations (20041)

Leveraging the relational view to provide a theoretical framework, this paper explores the intricate dynamics of competition and cooperation in humanitarian operations, a critical yet understudied area in humanitarian studies. Our methodology is grounded in theory elaboration case study, providing a nuanced and in-depth analysis. This study collected data through 32 interviews, encompassing a diverse range of individuals actively engaged in humanitarian efforts for 14 different NGOs in India. Our findings reveal that the strategies of cooperation and competition among NGOs are significantly influenced by the degree of interdependency between these organizations. Interestingly, we observe that 'coopetition' – a blend of cooperation and competition – manifests in two distinct forms: voluntary, initiated by NGOs themselves either to enhance their media image or to acquire complementary skills from other organizations, and involuntary, often mandated by higher-level NGOs or government authorities. This paper contributes to the field by offering a novel understanding of how inter-organizational dynamics in humanitarian settings are shaped and shedding light on the strategic decisions that guide these relationships. This research provides theoretical insights and has practical implications for policymakers and practitioners in the humanitarian sector, promoting more effective and efficient responses to crises.

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