A “Collective Impact Framework” to Improve Output and Outcomes in Disaster Reconstruction Programs

Abstract

Day by day the man-made and the natural disasters are on the rise. Reconstruction, the longest duration of the post-disaster phases, is going through various challenges in terms of resourcing and effectiveness of execution. Resourcing of resources that include funds for reconstruction programs is generally received from government or from donors through international agencies. Because of the economic condition, many countries as donor are not able to fulfill the increased demand. As a result, the gap in fulfillment vs. requirement of resources in the reconstruction programs is increasing. From the experience of the author, it is also felt that there is enough room for improvement in the execution approach, which can significantly improve the output and outcomes of the reconstruction programs. Keeping this in view this paper discusses about a framework that focuses on collective impact. Collective impact is a powerful approach and is beyond collaboration. It is understood from academic literature that there are successful examples of collective impact in addressing social issues. This approach of collective impact is represented in the form of a framework in this paper. When this framework is implemented, it can help to get more output and outcomes from the available resources in the reconstruction programs. The paper identifies elements of best practices followed to get more output either in service delivery or in product development process in world-leading companies making use of the author’s experience as a practitioner and review of articles associated with social sector innovation. In writing this paper the author has blended his academic interest with the learning from his experience both in social sector and in corporate. This paper is the starting point to the implementation of the defined framework. It provides a valuable framework for practitioners and also for academicians. From a practitioner’s point of view, it is important to validate the positive impact of this framework in reconstruction programs, and from an academician’s point of view, it is important to see how further details and value can be added to this. This paper seeks to integrate the experience and understanding the opportunity for improvement in reconstruction programs with the concepts in the literatures associated with disaster management and social sector innovation. This paper will help the practitioner to experiment and bring improvement to the present approach of working in reconstruction programs.