China Social Science Review

No.3, 2024

The Application of Collective Biographical Approach in the Study of International Organizations—A Case Study of the Group of Directors-General of UNESCO

(Abstract)

Wang Zhongkui and Hu Xiaotian

Accurately identifying the potential and growth path characteristics of international organization leaders is an important basic work for the systematic cultivation and successful promotion of international organization talents. Currently, there is a lack of methodological innovation in related research. The introduction of the collective biography method can help analyze the relevant groups and their interactions with social structure and social change. Taking UNESCO as an example, the organization is a specialized agency that contributes to the progress of education, science and technology, and culture in developing countries. Analyzing the group of its directors-general by applying the collective biography method can clearly outline the typical portrait, career growth path and change trend of this group. It is conducive to developing the vision and ideas of talent training for international organizations, and providing more references for developing countries to effectively identify and train the leaders of relevant international organizations. Of course, the collective biography method has its own limitations. Researchers should be cautious when interpreting the characteristics of the group and its deeprooted interaction with the society.