Message-ID: <2B91CE35AFA@socdyn.hsrc.ac.za> Date: Tue, 10 Sep 1996 16:09:29 GMT+2 From: Gerhard Hagg - Dev Policy and Plan <mailto:GH@SOCDYN.HSRC.AC.ZA> Subject: motivation for participation in development To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
A request for information on motivation for participation in sustainable developmentFor the past 8 years I have been involved in community participation in development projects in South African townships (marginalised communities). Initially it was in the field of arts and culture, later moving on to public hostel upgrading, informal settlement upgrading and the development of multi-purpose community centres, or as they are called sometimes: multi-purpose community complexes or resource centres.
It is clear that in most development projects 'sustainability' has become a key issue. It seems to me that the solution to sustainability is being sought in sound project management, community participation in the process, including implementation, self- reliance, income generation, longterm commitment of funders, etc. During my work and research I have become convinced that much of the failure in sustainability is the result of putting the 'community' at the centre. This has two problems: the community is not homogeneous, so the vagueness leaves much space for conflict; secondly it puts a heavy weight on people who in most cases have been marginalised and lack capacity and experience in many areas. This may disempower them even more, as decisions may be ill-informed. I am aware of the debate around these issues, and my request does not directly refer to the notion of community. In my own work I tend to follow the concept of 'stakeholder', as described in the World Bank's Participation handbook, etc. This would accommodate community groups, business, service providers, municipalities, provincial offices, religious groups, etc. A complementary concept is that of participation as 'investment', of time, effort, or money.
An important question, it seems, is why should stakeholders participate in community development projects. Why do people invest into projects for many years, often voluntarily, or investing their personal money into the project? In my research I would like to limit myself to socio-cultural, economic and psychological motivation. When doing library searches, the term 'motivation' is usually leading into achievement fields, e.g. in the workplace or at school. Could anyone who has been working in the field of motivation for participation in development projects help me with some information, e.g. literature sources, projects that have been investigating the matter? Many thanks. Gerard Hagg mailto:GH@socdyn.hsrc.ac.za