Message-ID: <199606070751.MAA16068@sdnpk.undp.org> Date: Fri, 7 Jun 1996 04:52:04 -0400 From: Riaz Khan <mailto:RIAZKHAN@NLDP.SDNPK.UNDP.ORG> Subject: ARE STAKEHOLDERS/COMMUNITIES ALWAYS RIGHT To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
Dear List members, The issue of involving stakeholders and communities in decision making is the basic guiding priciple in the field of development. All decisions must be made with the involvement of the stakeholders. I have my reservations regarding this priciple.I have been working with a large NGO with more than 1500 members. The members of the executive council are elected every two years. The desicion making process within this NGO is seldom made on analysis of facts. Most of the time it is on political basis. Within the NGO there are a number of groups all trying to gain power over others. Sometimes the decisions are made in favour of a strong lobby. In reality might is right is the main principle which is followed. This situation is probably true in the case of many elected bodies.
Concrete examples: 1. We had to send a trainer to a certain city. Since an honorarium was involved they all wanted to go. In the end we had to decide through a lottery. It so happended that the person was not at all competent for the job. 2. We had to do a certain project for which we need some staff. All the competent persons were sidelined. 3. A competent manger was removed for political reasons. 4. Since the council itself was not composed of the best members thus it did not want to promote the better members. 5. The executive does not share information especially financial matter with normal members.
Based on the above how can one deal with these elected stakeholders when thier desicions are guided by motives which are not always for the better. This is exactly how the Political Parties at the National level also behave. But according to the development principle the elected members of the community are always right and that they know what is best for the community.
I feel that the objectivity should be the guiding principle. Sometimes it may come from within the community, while in others cases it may come from a third party.
A second issue is that what to do when the community is not interested in a beneficial activity eg. running of community schools, health units, womens group etc. Initially they may not like the idea and may need mobolization and convincing. Should development workers contrary to the wishes of the community do the mobolization efforts. The mobolization efforts may take years sometimes.
Some thoughts on these would be appreciated.
Regards
Riaz Khan