Understanding Risk Perception in Sudan’s Humanitarian Sector - A Phenomenological inquiry into local and international perspectives
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2025-03-04
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en
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Sudan's history of political instability worsened with the April 2023 conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, escalating security risks. For humanitarian and development practitioners, risk perception plays a key role in security management and organisational decision-making. However, perceptions between staff inside and outside Sudan often differ, potentially impacting security measures and project implementation.
This study explored how practitioners experience working in Sudan and examined the factors shaping their risk perceptions and decision-making. Literature suggests influences such as personal experience, psychological biases, cultural norms, and organisational values. Through qualitative research and expert interviews, findings revealed that while all staff acknowledge the severe risks, interpretations vary. Sudanese field staff display resilience and optimism, sometimes downplaying risks, while external staff, relying on distant reports, tend to emphasize danger. These differing perceptions can affect trust, security reporting and organisational risk management.
Organisational mandates strongly influence risk-taking behaviours and project continuity. Contrary to expectations, heuristics did not emerge as a key factor in decision-making, likely due to hierarchical structures of the studied organisations. This research highlights the need for better communication between staff working in- and outside the country and raises ethical concerns over outsourcing risks to local partners.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen