Partner Ownership in Capacity Building

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Questions and Answers

What is a key issue with capacity strengthening when initiated by funders?

It often results in acquiescence and compliance rather than commitment. (correct)

It is a reliable method to measure the partner's readiness to change.

It always leads to meaningful and lasting change.

The partner organization takes full ownership of the process.

Why is assessing a partner's motive for change complex?

It is not relevant to assessing the partner for change.

It is easily observable and measurable through formal assessments.

It is fully apparent at the beginning of the relationship.

It is best understood through hindsight and past experiences. (correct)

What is more important than a formal readiness to change assessment tool?

The specific questions used in the tool.

The financial impact of the tool.

The underlying thinking and questions behind the assessment. (correct)

The length and complexity of the tool.

What is identified as the single most important factor for successful capacity strengthening?

Ownership by the partner organization (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'externalizing blame' indicate when assessing a partner’s perspective on a problem?

The partner is placing the blame on external factors or entities. (A) Signup and view all the answers

When assessing the seriousness of an issue, what is it important to understand?

If people believe change is necessary and what might happen if they do nothing. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why might a partner resist change when a grant-maker uses their power?

They may interpret it as undermining their autonomy and motive for change. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary risk if the motive for change rests solely with the funder?

The results will be superficial and lack depth. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key component of meaningful change?

Giving up old habits and behaving differently. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key indicator of a strong motive for change?

If multiple staff members express support and there's a change champion. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the young consultant's experience with the UN agency illustrate about motive for change?

There has to be a strong reason to overcome the natural resistance to change. (B) Signup and view all the answers

When assessing the strength of a partner’s motive for change, what should be examined?

What the organization has already tried and learned from past experiences. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author believe that leading change is not primarily about changing others' behavior?

Because you can only directly control your own actions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How can grant-makers better ensure partner ownership of change initiatives?

By understanding and cultivating the partner's own reasons for change. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between organizational change and personal change?

Organizational change is difficult if the leaders are not prepared to change personally. (D) Signup and view all the answers

When assessing leadership commitment, what point is mentioned in the text?

Whether the leaders are open to personal change. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the content suggest about organizational change in terms of human nature?

Organisations tend to maintain what they already know unless compelled to change. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason the author initially declined to help the partner in Zimbabwe?

The board and general secretary did not believe the partner needed change. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the author emphasize about organizations in relation to change?

Organizations are human systems that change when people change. (D) Signup and view all the answers

When assessing the motive, which of these is NOT a leadership focus?

What are their detailed plans for implementing change? (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest is needed to assess motive, particularly among leadership when considering organizational change?

An assessment of their willingness to change personally. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to evaluate the leadership's perspective on capacity strengthening?

To measure their understanding and buy-in to the proposed changes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the author, when is there little point in spending time and money on capacity strengthening?

When the organization resists internal transformation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why was the author excited by the prospect of contributing to the organization in Zimbabwe?

Because of the potential for a significant strategic impact. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial factor to consider before initiating organizational change?

The strength of the organization's motive for change (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of making capacity strengthening a conditionality?

Reduced partner commitment to the process (A) Signup and view all the answers

What action do grant makers need to do to build trust with partners?

Invest time to understand the partner's broader context (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about 'due diligence' in the context of capacity strengthening?

It should be secondary to the needs and interests of the partner organization (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the proverb 'You have to earn the right to speak by listening' indicate in the context of grant-making?

Grant-makers should prioritize hearing and understanding before giving opinions advice (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way for grant-makers to foster change within partner organizations?

By fostering an internally driven motive for change (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the first steps to clarify capacity strengthening with partners?

Stating that it centers around the partner's needs and interests (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign that a partner organization is ready for change?

When the organization's leadership is fully committed to change (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why might a program officer's suggestion be perceived as an order by a local partner?

Because program officers aren't aware of their influence. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using open questions when interacting with partners?

They can help to empower partners by allowing them to take ownership of identifying their needs. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why might an externally facilitated self-assessment be beneficial for a partner organization?

It ensures the resulting process is owned by the partner organization, as they defined their own priorities. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea behind the concept of 'explicit choice' in capacity strengthening?

The partner has made an autonomous decision to engage in capacity strengthening. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes how a grant-maker can foster more constructive conversations with partners?

Adopting an approach that builds on the partners existing strengths and asks open questions to determine needs. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ensuring Partner Ownership and Agency

Capacity strengthening initiatives are most successful when driven by partner ownership, not funder-imposed change.
Funder power can discourage genuine partner motivation.
Partner motivation hinges on a felt need for change, not external pressure.
Leaders and staff must be motivated for change to overcome natural resistance.

Why Motive Matters

Partner ownership is crucial for successful capacity building.
Grantmakers should not impose change; instead, they should encourage partner initiatives to drive internal change.
Focus on leadership and stakeholder motivation.

Assessing Partner Motive

Questions to ascertain partner motive:
- What does the partner see as the critical issue?
- Where precisely does the problem lie?
- How serious is the perceived issue?
- Will the partner feel compelled to change if they stay the course?
- Who is pushing for change?
- Is leadership committed to the change?
- Does the partner see opportunities?
Partner motive can be assessed through self-assessments, facilitated by external experts.
Trust-building is essential for effective change strategies.
Capacity strengthening initiatives are not about managing risk to the funder, but about partner change.

Grant Maker's Role in Cultivating Partner Motive

Clearly define the capacity-building exercise, emphasizing the need for change from the partner's perspective.
Focus on building trust.
Grant makers should ask open-ended questions, and encourage partner-led solutions.
Emphasize partner ownership over imposed solutions.
Facilitate self-assessments by the partner.
Allow partners enough time and opportunity to act.

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Description

This quiz explores the importance of partner ownership and motivation in capacity strengthening initiatives. It emphasizes how genuine change should stem from participatory approaches rather than external pressures imposed by funders. Assess key questions that help gauge partner motives for successful collaboration.