Utilization of operational code analysis in studying terrorist organizations

Abstract

Operational code analysis constituting a framework for systematic study appears to inaugurate a long-waited approach aiming at understanding, unfolding and potentially anticipating the motivational and behavioral constitutions of non-state terrorist organizations. However, operational code constructs known so far do not appear to be compact in respect of the methodology, which could be utilized within the studies of operational codes of organizations different than governmental. Into the bargain, the scholarly evolution of operational code analysis presents an inconsistency associated with the interchangeability of individual and organizational levels of analysis. Addressing these limitations, this thesis seeks to offer an alternative approach by appreciating the instrumentality of beliefs about organizational structure, its potential for determining the style of decision-making and for anticipation of the decision-makers’ logic of political action. This study concludes with a section, which expands the parameters of operational code research incorporating a structural context and discussion of its implications for research on terrorism.