31. Ethical Issue #7

Developing participatory processes

Read the quote and ask participants to identify why "top-down planning" is done and what the negative consequences may be. (WHY: time pressures of emergency needs, difficulty of identifying genuine representatives of the entire community, institutional efforts to control the assistance program. CONSEQUENCES: inappropriate assistance, undermining local and long-term initiatives, inadequate utilization of local knowledge, skills and resources). Review ways of overcoming such negative impacts.

"Top down planning is unethical as well as ineffective"

Means for overcoming negative impacts

· Involve local institutions and expertise

· Post staff with appropriate social and linguistic skills at field level

· Use participatory research methods

· Prioritize early identification and involvement of leaders within the refugee/displaced population

· Recognize and involve legitimate representatives and civil institutions