The Importance of Intercultural Competence in European Agencies in the Field of Justice and Home Affairs

Abstract

The importance of intercultural competence in European agencies operating in the field of Justice and Home Affairs cannot be overstated. These agencies, characterized by their transnational nature and the presence of diverse cultures and ethnicities, require professionals who possess cultural sensitivity, awareness, and intercultural competencies to effectively carry out their roles. This study aims to analyze various dimensions of intercultural competence and understand how professionals perceive and value its significance. By fostering cooperation towards common goals, this research seeks to enhance the effectiveness of these agencies in multicultural environments. European agencies require a specific stance of social and cultural learning due to their context and missions, where learning about others and intercultural communication become increasingly complex and challenging. Although we are constantly exposed to ideas and manifestations related to tolerance, peace, human rights, anti-racism, and equal opportunities, which are linked to the cultural diversity and priority missions of these agencies, we also witness daily the negative aspects such as violence and intercultural conflicts, expressed through prejudices, stereotypes, intolerance, racism, xenophobia, marginalization, exploitation, and social exclusion. Despite being "officially" banned in various services and public spaces, these problems continue to manifest themselves clearly and often without any form of control. This research has an exploratory nature, as the object of study is not fully described or directly studied in European agencies. It raises several questions, including: What is the perception of the importance of intercultural competence and what differences exist among European agencies? Can the mission of each agency influence the response of its professionals regarding the importance of intercultural competence? Future research can explore various avenues, such as investigating the experiences of approximately 30% of employees who have felt culturally discriminated against within their respective agencies. The objective of this article focuses on analyzing different domains of intercultural competence and the perceptions and importance that professionals in these organizations attribute to it, where everyone must cooperate towards a common goal. Our research presents recent and original data on the research object, which is not directly described or studied within the European Agencies. It reveals and describes internal phenomena within these agencies regarding the components of intercultural competence. We can consider intercultural competence as a process of development and adaptation to multiple contexts within organizations. Dialogue, cooperation, communication, and problem solving are part of the daily routine in these organizations, where cultural diversity is a common ground.