IMPACT OF POWER NEGOTIATIONS ON THE OUTCOME OF INTERCULTURAL GATE-KEEPING INTERVIEWS
IMPACT OF POWER NEGOTIATIONS ON THE OUTCOME OF INTERCULTURAL GATE-KEEPING INTERVIEWS

Summary/Abstract: The focus of the present paper is on power dynamics and factors affecting the outcome of gatekeeping interviews. Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of habitus, capitals, and symbolic power is at the core of the theoretical framework. Using discourse analysis, communicative behaviour of the participants of three gate-keeping “mock” scholarship interviews was analysed at macro and micro levels. The results revealed that power dynamics and dispositions of the habitus mainly determine the outcome. Power in discourse and over discourse is dynamic, constantly negotiated, and formed based on the habitus. Thus, absolute objectivity in a gatekeeping interview is unachievable due to the essence of human nature and the bias of any judgement, no matter how it is framed. However, sufficient value should be ascribed to all the factors and the highest achievable degree of objectivity should be opted for by involving several interviewers and developing specific criteria to frame their judgement.

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