What does it take to truly engage stakeholders in the developing sector? This question was at the heart of a recent Goodmoring BSN! session by Christa Robijn-van Riet, a consulting development sector specialist and associate of The Workroom. Christa, with her extensive experience in resource mobilisation, fundraising, and strategic planning, shared invaluable insights on stakeholder engagement, focusing on building trust and relationships. Here’s a closer look at her key points and lessons for effective stakeholder engagement.
What is meaningful engagement and why is it important?
Effective communication is the foundation of any successful stakeholder engagement strategy. According to Christa, meaningful engagement goes beyond merely informing and consulting stakeholders; it requires a deep understanding of the stakeholders’ needs, cultural context, and communication styles. In the development sector, this means moving past transactional engagement where the goal is just to extract information. Instead, it’s about creating and evolving communication pathways to foster deeper understanding and collaboration.
Christa emphasised the importance of understanding the cultural and language barriers that might hinder effective communication. Preparation is key, and this involves researching the community, understanding their context, and tailoring communication methods accordingly. For example, storytelling can be a powerful tool to connect with stakeholders, as it helps in creating relatable and impactful narratives.
Understanding power dynamics
Understanding power dynamics is essential in stakeholder engagement, especially in the development sector. Christa explained that power dynamics can vary greatly, from structural and interpersonal power within communities and organisations to negotiated power, as seen in movements like gender empowerment. Recognising and navigating these dynamics effectively is crucial. In vulnerable communities, traditional engagement methods might not work, and it’s important to adjust strategies to be more inclusive and considerate of the stakeholders’ context.
Christa also highlighted the importance of relational dynamics in ensuring everyone’s voice is heard. Discernment, or the ability to judge characters and situations wisely, is key in managing these dynamics effectively.
The case for embracing DEI
As Nigeria aims to leverage its demographic dividend and enhance its global stature, prioritising DEI could be a game-changer. Embracing DEI not only taps into the nation’s full talent spectrum but also fosters a more equitable society and drives economic growth.
Stakeholder participation: Moving beyond engagement
Trust is crucial for moving from stakeholder engagement to meaningful participation. Christa noted that there are no shortcuts to building trust. It requires consistent and transparent communication, showing stakeholders that their input is valued and that there are feedback mechanisms in place to keep them informed about how their contributions are being used.
In her experience, preparation before engagement is crucial. This involves understanding the specific issues and resistance points that stakeholders might have. For instance, in one project involving diverse stakeholders such as government officials, researchers, and community members, Christa’s team faced initial resistance. The key to overcoming this was thorough preparation and understanding the stakeholders’ needs and concerns. Christa also emphasised the need to move beyond traditional consultation strategies. This involves creating appropriate feedback loops and mechanisms, ensuring inclusivity, and prioritising the issues that matter most to the stakeholders. A lack of prioritisation can lead to decisions of ambiguous value, undermining the entire engagement process.
Sustainable engagement: A path forward
Effective stakeholder engagement in the developing sector is about more than just communication; it’s about building relationships, fostering trust, and navigating power dynamics with sensitivity and understanding. Christa’s insights highlight the importance of preparation, empathy, and genuine connection in creating meaningful engagement and participation.
“There is no shortcut to building trust. It’s an ongoing process that requires commitment, transparency, and a deep understanding of the stakeholders’ needs and context.”
By adopting these principles, organisations can create more effective and impactful stakeholder engagement strategies that lead to sustainable and positive outcomes for all involved.
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