A Model of Managed Co-operation : An evaluation of Co-Operation North's School and Youth Links Scheme

Ruddle, Helen and O'Connor, Joyce (1992) A Model of Managed Co-operation : An evaluation of Co-Operation North's School and Youth Links Scheme. National College of Industrial Relations, Dublin. ISBN 0948297042

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Abstract

The three sister organisations of Co-Operation North, the Irish Peace Institute (IPI) and the Centre for International Co-Operation view managed co-operation as a significant and effective strategy in conflict resolution and in breaking down barriers between the two communities of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The shared aim of these organisations is to change attitudes so that an environment may be created which is free of prejudice, fear and ignorance. The underlying premise is that understanding and goodwill are developed through co-operative activities in the economic, social and cultural spheres. This study examines the process of managed co-operation underlying the activities of these organisations and on identifying a model which may be applied in other conflictual situations. The study focuses on Co-Operation North and on one particular programme operated by this organisation - the School and Youth Links Exchange Schemes. The study explores the experiences and perceptions of young people from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland who meet together in different kinds of exchange projects. It describes their pre-conceptions, views and attitudes in relation to each other prior to going on exchange and compares these with their views and attitudes following the exchange encounter. The expectations and hopes which the young participants have of the exchange are described and their concerns and anxieties prior to meeting their counterparts from across the border are highlighted. Through the use of a comparison group of young people who have never experienced an exchange, the study identifies the kind of changes in views and attitudes which such an experience can bring about. This part of the study also highlights the personal benefits and learning which occur through the exchange - as these are perceived both by the young participants themselves and their exchange leaders. Through a series of interviews with exchange leaders, the study identifies the key elements contributing to the success of an exchange and outlines the kinds of problems and challenges involved in this particular process of managed co-operation.

The activities in managed co-operation which are the object of this study must be viewed against a background of a conflict situation with two separate dimensions. The first dimension involves relationships between the two states of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, while the second dimension involves relationships between divided communities or traditions within Northern Ireland - the Catholic and Protestant communities and the Nationalist and Unionist traditions. The focus of the activities of Co-Operation North is primarily on inter-state rather than intra-state relationships.

Item Type:	Book
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Conflict Resolution
Divisions:	Policy Research Centre
Depositing User:	Caoimhe Ní Mhaicín
Date Deposited:	08 Apr 2014 14:49
Last Modified:	11 Apr 2014 08:11
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/1117

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