Proceedings of the 8th World Conference on Qualitative Research

Introduction The humanitarian system has undergone significant transformation, marked by an increasing trend towards professionalization. While this shift promised to enhance crisis response, it has raised concerns about its relevance across varied cultural and socio-economic contexts.
Aims The aim of this research is to delve into the repercussions of this professionalization, with a specific focus on transmission dynamics within humanitarian intervention teams.
Methods Rooted in the theories of ergonomic activity analysis (Daniellou, 2015), this research uses a qualitative and inductive approach (Paillé et Mucchielli, 2021). The methodology, include five stages, encompasses a multifaceted suite of data collection tools. Not only does it involve a participatory photography method – a new tool offering deep immersion and a nuanced view of on-ground dynamics – but also integrates the individual interviews, floating observations, and the maintenance of a detailed field journal. These tools, collectively used, enhance the depth and breadth of insights, providing a comprehensive understanding of the field's complexities.
Results Findings indicate that transmissions, whether formal or informal types, play a pivotal role in construction the identity of workers. These dynamics are also paramount to deciphering how professionalization interacts with the daily realities of humanitarian workers.
Conclusions Although professionalization offers theoretical advantages, it faces practical hurdles, particularly concerning adaptability. The innovative methodology employed, drawing from ergonomic analysis and an inductive approach, unveiled nuances often overlooked by conventional methods. The outcome underscores the need to reconsider top-down approaches in favor of a more integrated and context-specific response to humanitarian crises.