THE IMPACT OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

Abstract

Community development projects worldwide play an important role in the development of society, in some of the poorest rural areas of the globe. Consequently, projects are designed to enhance the quality of life for the more vulnerable people in society in any country or region. When community development is effective, there is less crime, less disparity between citizens, better jobs available, a more talented workforce, and fewer overall issues that impact residents. Community development reduces problems and increases opportunities for growth. Without community development, both economic and business development suffer greatly. Sri Lanka is a multi-cultural country where a number of development projects are ongoing at present. The research problem is to find the positive and negative impact of different cultures on community development projects related to nongovernmental organizations. This study aims to explore the relationship between community development projects and cultural diversity as a stepping stone to increasing the existing knowledge and filling the research gap. The overall objective of this study is to explore and find the positive and negative impact of different cultures, on community development projects related to non-governmental organizations sectors. The primary data was collected by using in-depth interview questions with Program Managers, MEAL Coordinators, Admin and Program Officers, Senior Program Managers, and Finance and Admin Officers. Secondary data was collected from various documentary sources and reports of NGOs. The data were analyzed qualitatively using thematic content analysis. According to research questions positive attitude, high participation, owner-driven, exploring opportunities, solving problems, emotional intelligence, good working culture, partnerships, group work, open and active culture, a clear idea about career, developing community platforms and resilience width are the thirteen newly identified positive factors related to community development projects. Fear to the majority, lack of trust, thinking style, and marital status are the four newly identified negative factors based on the Sri Lankan context. This research will help project-related parties, project managers, project teams, and project-related students in their project purpose in the future.