Management Approaches

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyse approaches of managers in development co-operation in facing challenges of complexity, change and the unknown. The research has been conducted as an explanatory case study on four German managers working in public development co-operation in Southern Africa. The analytical framework has been derived from management applications of the sciences of complexity. One of the main findings of the research is that on the surface development co-operation and development managers today have accepted development as being complex, non-linear and dynamic. However, the approaches used by managers rely on technical and strategic skills to respond to the pressure of accountability and achieving visible results. To achieve success and impact-orientation, governments, donor agencies and the managers involved have to accept development objectives as a political and personal challenge rather than a mere technical task