Just Listen! The importance of listening in foreign correspondents–governments relationships

Abstract

This study examines the role of listening methods within public diplomacy (PD)/foreign correspondents' relations. Listening theory plays a double role in the study: a) It serves as the theoretical basis for analyzing whether listening and, more specifically, feedback are applied by Israeli public diplomacy (PD) bodies; b) It serves as the core methodology of this study. We demonstrate the value of listening within the context of these professional relationships by applying a methodological simulation of listening. By systematically listening to both parties, one can uncover and trace gaps between the parties' perceptions and better understand their relationship. Based on fifty semi-structured, in-depth interviews with PD seniors and foreign correspondents, the study compares and contrasts the parties' perceptions regarding tactical and strategic aspects of Israeli PD organizations’ actions. The findings indicate a substantial lack of critical listening methods in Israel's PD mechanism. By applying systematic listening methods, gaps and weak links in the parties’ relationship surfaced. To address these gaps, we recommend implementing recurring feedback platforms. These might assist the parties in developing more authentic and open dialogue, despite disagreements and disputes.