Shifting Power to Make a Difference Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Shifting Power to Make a Difference - Essay good exampleThe problems that faces the institutions that handle global uphold - whether they may be on the supply side or intermediaries- is how to outdo utilize the fund such that the intended improvements for the beneficiary are achieved. This has especially been a growing attention because even with the billions of dollars that have been donated and already consumed, much of the inequalities still remain and the gap seems to be growing. That is, the amount fatigued is not proportional to the benefits and development acquired whether it may be material or ad hominem.As with all issues and problems, a number of perceived solutions especially from scholars have been forwarded to address the inefficiency of handling and utilizing international aid. Robert Chambers and Jethro Pettit are cardinal such scholars with their composition entitled Shifting Power to Make a Difference. In this essay, the supposition of might to control and to limit as confined to the few is the reason blamed for the inadequacy and inappropriateness of handling international aid. For Chambers and Pettit, the orientation of organizations tends to be non-inclusive meaning the donors usually dictate how the aid is personnel casualty to be used. This become problematic because the donors may overhear an inappropriate and even a skewed perspective. compensate with the best of intentions, it is simply not the same as asking and considering the voice of the beneficiaries what their problems and perceived solutions are and having them take a participatory role and not just a passive role in a matter that will ultimately be affecting their lives. The effect to the poor of confining decisions and implementations to the donor and intermediary is what Chambers and Pettit would call an alien hand.The authors recognize that the problem is in the system and not few external factor. With power already confined to those in the upper echelons, the norms and procedures combined with personal behavior, attitudes and beliefs, serve to pay back these existing power transaction. (p. 137)Chambers and Pettit identify four action domains that should address the problem with the system and personal behavior. They are the followingUnderstanding and Analyzing PowerWithin the mechanism involved in international aid lies the basic issue of who gets to decide and who gets to control. To effect change, we must first be aware of the power dealing that exist and determine their impact on aid and development. Only thru awareness and understanding of these power relations can we get an idea of how to best acquire and use it. The authors point out that with knowledge of the implications of the power exercised by donor agencies can they realize the importance of sharing power such as promote beneficiaries to make a more proactive stance. The attitude of I give therefore I decide could be avoided by acknowledging that those who received are t he ones ultimately affected and should therefore be given an prospect to voice out their opinion.Narrowing the gaps between words and actionsFor Chamber and Pitt, the lingo used in international aid is problematic. As an example, they cite the use of the word partnership which implies collegial equality and mutual reciprocity but in reality, only those who control the funding call the shots. What