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Why Planned Interventions for Capacity Development in the Environment Often Fail: A Critical Review of Mainstream

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  • KAREN HOLM OLSEN

Abstract

Capacity development in the subfield of the environment is a mode of planned intervention that has become one of the mainstays of development policy. Capacity development interventions are, however, characterized by a low level of success. Explored in this paper is the theoretical grounding for why planned interventions for capacity development in the environment often fail. Drawing on a review of mainstream systems theory and strategic management approaches, it is argued that these rely on overoptimistic assumptions about the institutional and social reality as manageable and controllable. An actor-oriented and constructivist approach is proposed as an alternative to improve our understanding of the unintended and unplanned outcomes of capacity development.

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  • Karen Holm Olsen, 2006. "Why Planned Interventions for Capacity Development in the Environment Often Fail: A Critical Review of Mainstream," International Studies of Management & Organization, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(2), pages 104-124, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:mimoxx:v:36:y:2006:i:2:p:104-124
    DOI: 10.2753/IMO0020-8825360205
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