Structures, processes, and competences: Organizational challenges for the effectiveness of the Polish diplomatic services

Abstract

Modern states exist within multidimensional and complex interactions. The effectiveness of foreign policy depends on the ability of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to design and implement action programmes that take into account the involvement of many types of actors, and on the ability to coordinate horizontally, vertically, and temporally. New challenges require the design of structures and processes that enable the effective implementation of such coordination. Referring to qualitative data and a case study, the article formulates organizational recommendations and competency requirements useful for the diplomatic service in achieving desired outcomes. It emphasizes the need for a mix of competencies in diplomatic missions implementing programmes, where professional diplomats should be complemented by specialists with documented experience and achievements. The article identifies the conditions necessary for the functioning of result-oriented diplomacy and for increasing its public accountability, and recommends directions of changes indispensable for achieving these goals.