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.

The Social Framework for Projects: a conceptual but practical model to assist in assessing, planning and managing the social impacts of projects

“…However, Alkire (2002a) demonstrated how Sen's approach can be implemented in practice. Other researchers, notably Nussbaum (2003), considered that Sen's perspective of Ensuring that these projects have the support of affected peoples (a social licence to operate) is important (Jijelava & Vanclay 2014a, 2014b, else these projects will be met with opposition and resistance ) that will be detrimental to the development goals they are trying to achieve. Several frameworks have been developed to assist in this task, most notably the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA) (discussed below), but none are routinely used in Social Impact Assessment (SIA) practice (Kirchherr & Charles 2016).…”

“Social licence to operate” and the human services: A pathway to smarter commissioning?

“…The fact that SLO continues to exert an influence in the resources sector – and is beginning to make inroads into international development and humanitarian aid spaces (Jijelava & Vanclay, , b) – suggests that, whatever the practical difficulties of negotiating and sustaining SLO, the concept is robust conceptually.…”

Land grabbing within a protected area: The experience of local communities with conservation and forestry activities in Los Esteros del Iberá, Argentina

“…All in all, environmental organizations and philanthropists face various challenges in the implementation of their programs. A longterm commitment is needed to successfully achieve program outcomes that are socially accepted and bring benefits to all actors (Jijelava and Vanclay, 2014). CLT has been very influential in drawing attention to the importance of protecting Iberá.…”