Business Executives as International Terrorist Targets (From International Terrorism: The Decade Ahead, P 21-28, 1989, Jane Rae Buckwalter, ed. -- See NCJ-120184)

• NCJ Number: 120187
• Author(s): C Hartz
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: University of Illinois at Chicago
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. Presented at the Third Annual International Symposium on Criminal Justice Issues in 1988.

Annotation

Interviews with 29 business executives who regularly travel abroad, and are therefore at risk of terrorist victimization, focused on their cognitive and affective coping style, evidence of anxiety, apprehension secondary to terrorism, and behavioral changes related to security.

Abstract

Data obtained from the interviews indicates problems due to executives' perceptions of being at risk as terrorist targets. Executives conducting business abroad report a negative psychological impact secondary to terrorism. Most have changed their personal behaviors in an attempt to protect themselves. Nearly all have experienced restricted freedoms and an increase in time and inconvenience to enhance their safety, which cost money and heighten anxiety. Decreased performance levels and refusal to perform are reported by some. Stress-related symptoms are high. Some had taken steps to provide for their families in the event of their capture or death. Analysis of these data are ongoing, with the aim of defining the styles used by these executives to cope with threat and develop protective behaviors. Modules are being developed to provide such executives with the tools required to provide for their security.