Obsessive measurement disorder or pragmatic bureaucracy? Coping with uncertainty in development aid relations

Susanna Alexius and Janet Vähämäki discussed findings from their newly released book “Obsessive Measurement Disorder or Pragmatic Bureaucracy? Coping with Uncertainty in Development Aid Relations”.

The book is an outcome of a longer research project in which the authors have scrutinized the concept of ‘Obsessive Measurement Disorder’, i.e. what causes an increase in control mechanisms in aid and development organization? How and when can this prove counterproductive, and what can be done about it? The authors discuss how this concept is related to the quest for certainty in the field of development aid and suggest coping mechanisms and responses that may help to prevent the extremes of obsessive measurement disorder, and instead foster pragmatic, constructive organizing and learning that benefits not only aid organizations and their employees, but also – and more fundamentally – the societies in need.

This engaging dialogue included a discussion between the authors and session discussant Duncan Green, Professor in Practice in International Development at the London School of Economics. Attendees were given the opportunity to pose questions to the keynote speakers during a Q&A session.

The dialogue was moderated by Carly Evaeus, Project Manager at SEI.

Agenda

• Opening remarks by Carly Evaeus
• Keynote presentation by Susanna Alexius and Janet Vähämäki
• Discussion with Duncan Green
• Q&A
• Closing remarks

About the speakers

Susanna Alexius, Associate Professor in Business Administration, is a Research Director at Stockholm Centre for Organizational Research (SCORE) at Stockholm University with an extensive background in organizational research.

Janet Vähämäki is a Senior Researcher and Team Lead at SEI with a long background from development aid practice. She holds a PhD in Business Administration.

About the discussant

Duncan Green is a Professor in Practice at the LSE’s International Development, Strategic Adviser at Oxfam GB, and Director of the Global Executive Leadership Initiative’s Influencing Programme. He consults as a ‘critical friend’ to the Building Community Engagement in Papua New Guinea programme. He is also known for his From Poverty to Power blog.