The HaramBuntu-Government-Diaspora Relationship Management Theory

Abstract

The brain circulation phenomenon addresses the two-way dynamic migration patterns of Africa’s Diaspora publics, particularly from and to their host and home countries. In exchange for the various capital that the Diaspora bring to their African home countries, many of these Diaspora members seek to integrate within the socio-economic and political tapestries of their home countries. However, the relationship between some African governments and their Diaspora publics is challenged, as a result of perceived distrust from both parties and infrastructural limitations that results in missed opportunities for a nation’s development. This chapter introduces the HaramBuntu-Government-Diaspora Communications Theory (HGDCT) to support African governments’ communicative efforts in managing relationships with their Diaspora publics to motivate them to invest in their home countries. Guided by a modification of the original three-stage relationship management framework, the HGDCT is grounded in African collectivistic values, coined in an original term, HaramBuntu, which stems from Kenya’s “Harambee” and South Africa’s “Ubuntu.” The theory departs from a prescriptive, two-way dialogic, symmetrical “best” practice Western, Excellent model of public relations. Instead, it prioritizes African cultural values as the bedrock of relationship-building and incorporates insight from each party to provide data-driven, meaningful solutions in nation-building.