Assessing the Social Licence to Operate of Development Cooperation Organizations: A Case Study of Mercy Corps in Samtskhe-Javakheti, Georgia

Abstract

We examine the applicability of the concept of Social Licence to Operate (SLO) for international humanitarian and development cooperation organizations. We review the relevant literature on SLO and derive criteria that can be applicable to the work of development agencies. We also examine the case of the international NGO, Mercy Corps, in the region of Samtskhe-Javakheti, Georgia, specifically its Market Alliances against Poverty project. Using focus groups and key informant interviews, we sought to understand what would constitute an SLO for the local community in the context of a development intervention. Themes that emerged included: transparency and accountability; access to information; the potential benefits and dangers of innovations; the inspirational effect of the presence of an external organization; risks associated with loans and grants; and the reliability of intermediaries. Our results can be utilized by development practitioners and humanitarian organizations as well as academics who want to explore the applicability of SLO in the domain of non-governmental organizations and other non-commercial settings.

Keywords:

• Humanitarian Aid
• Development Assistance
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Stakeholder Theory
• Rural Development

Additional information

Notes on contributors

David Jijelava

David Jijelava is a partner of GeoWel Research, a consulting company based in Tbilisi, Georgia, that specializes in assessing international development projects. He is also undertaking a PhD at the University of Groningen, The Netherlands.

Frank Vanclay

Frank Vanclay is professor and head of Cultural Geography in the Faculty of Spatial Sciences at the University of Groningen, The Netherlands. Frank specializes in applied social research related to social impact assessment, social performance, social licence to operate, social aspects of place, community engagement, and social aspects of agriculture, farming and natural resource management. His recent edited books include: New Directions in Social Impact Assessment (Edward Elgar 2011) and Developments in Social Impact Assessment (Edward Elgar 2014).