Η Διαπολιτισμική Επικοινωνιακή Ικανότητα του Προσωπικού στο Ελληνικό Πυροσβεστικό Σώμα
Date Issued
February 21, 2023
Type
Μεταπτυχιακή Διπλωματική Εργασία
Abstract
In this dissertation the role of intercultural communication in the Hellenic Fire Service (F.S.) is investigated. Intercultural Communication is the transactional and symbolic process that involves the attribution of meaning between people from different cultures. Intercultural communication competence is a combination of abilities required to perform effectively and appropriately when interacting with others who are linguistically and culturally different, while intercultural sensitivity is an individual's ability to develop empathy towards understanding and appreciating cultural differences that promote appropriate and effective behavior in intercultural communication. The models of intercultural communication analyzed are the "onion model", the "A, B and C model", the "Rainbow model" and the model of "Intercultural Communication Competencies". The main goal of intercultural communication is to contribute to the success of intercultural projects, such as transferring knowledge, conducting long-term business or effecting change through community development programs. Natural events or natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods and earthquakes, extreme weather conditions, etc., are the threats that are likely to threaten people and destroy human properties.
Intercultural communication can also significantly help in crisis management, a role that in Greece the F.S. has, as it is implemented between and by individuals and organizations with different cultures, languages, norms, ideologies, beliefs and practices. The issues of intercultural communication and the corresponding challenges in crisis situations managed by the F.S. they concern possible language barriers, information, prevention and fire protection programs, trust issues, and information or knowledge gaps.
The purpose of the research is to investigate the views of active firefighters for the year 2021-2022, regardless of rank, who serve in the border areas of Western Macedonia, i.e. Ptolemaida, Kastoria and Florina, on cross-cultural communication with the citizens/residents of the areas of those called upon to assist in emergency situations during crisis management. N = 155 firefighters participated in the survey (55 from Ptolemaida, 52 from Kastoria and 48 from Florina). The collection of data was done using online questionnaires, through Google Forms, based on the "Intercultural Sensitivity Scale".
The firefighters enjoy the interaction and potential differences with people from different cultures. For the respect of cultural differences, they either prefer not to express their real point of view, or they do not enter into the process of intercultural communication during the management of a crisis, or because they do not have the time to gather the necessary information, or because they really do not understand the values of DE. They consider it important to have ED skills when working with foreigners and when managing crisis situations. They also consider it important that the PS provides them with appropriate training in the field of intercultural communication. Firefighters who participated in the survey achieved the highest mean scores on the dimensions of respect for intercultural differences and intercultural interaction.
The overall level of intercultural competence among the firefighter participants in the survey is reported as at least moderate, with a higher level of “Intercultural Interaction”. In the present research, no significant statistical differences are recorded in terms of gender, knowledge of DE and seniority. On the contrary, statistical differences are recorded in the statements of the firefighters regarding the language of communication and are formulated by those firefighters who use Greek as the language of communication for the DE. Depending on the area they serve, the firefighters give the corresponding importance, and it has different importance for them, to the DE. Finally, strong correlations are recorded between the following dimensions of ED: Trust and enjoyment of ED and Respect for intercultural differences and ED interaction. The firefighters, although they do not fully recognize their ability in intercultural communication, they respect the cultural differences between them and the citizens.
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