Building Relations in Cross Cultural Contexts: The Role of Cultural Awareness

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to determine the role of cultural awareness in building relations within cross-cultural contexts. In accordance with research methodology, peacekeeping operations were determined as case for cross-cultural context. The data were collected by means of face-to-face structured interviews from 34 participants, who served in Turkish contingents of various international peace operations. The qualitative data were analysed according to content analysis method. Findings indicate that cultural awareness on several topics has significant contributions and pays dividends, when peacekeepers tend to build relations with local and international military personnel, local people and personnel of international organizations.