Title:
Cultural and political factors in the design of ICT projects in developing countries
Authors:
Rozendal, R.
Place:
The Hague
Publisher:
IICD
Year:
2003
Series Title:
Research Report
Serial number:
13
PAGE:
39
Language:
eng
Subject:
Information, Knowledge and Communication
Keywords:
aid programmes
,
culture
,
management
Abstract:
The success of ICT projects in developing countries is not only determined by organizational, cultural, political, and institutional aspects, but also by their wider environments with their particular features of societies and national cultures. This report discusses the political force field in which a project is executed. By specifying the different actors, their interests and sources of power, it is possible to gain insights into the political tug-of-war that will be played during project formulation and implementation. In addition, the collective behaviour with regard to decision-making is considered. In doing this, one can take into account that the cultural background of the project member largely determines how a project team functions. The report also contains small case study descriptions to help readers translate theoretical concepts into the more dynamic environment of daily practice. One of the recommendations is that project management needs to find a planning method that incorporates a repetitive evaluation of the political and cultural influence into the strategic decision-making process of the project. Adopting a developmental approach to project planning can do this.
Organization:
IICD - International Institute for Communication and Development
Category:
General
Right:
© 2003 IICD
Document type:
Report
File:
118893.pdf