O anúncio das Metas do Desenvolvimento Sustentável pela Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU) fortaleceu o movimento global de hibridização organizacional nas grandes empresas, no qual essas corporações estão incluindo objetivos sociais e ambientais nas suas agendas estratégicas. Diante desse contexto, a presente tese buscou responder à questão: como as grandes empresas desenvolvem capacidades híbridas com a base da pirâmide? Para responder essa questão de pesquisa, utilizou-se a lente teórica das Capacidades Dinâmicas. Esse conceito visa explicar como as organizações criam e mudam recursos e capacidades. A literatura de Capacidades Dinâmicas é extensa e robusta; no entanto, esse conceito ainda precisa ser aperfeiçoado para explicar satisfatoriamente como as organizações desenvolvem capacidades operacionais, como as capacidades híbridas. Desse modo, essa tese buscou desenvolver o conceito de Capacidades Dinâmicas no contexto incomum, no qual as grandes empresas enfrentam ao desenvolver capacidades híbridas com a base da pirâmide. Assim essa tese é uma pesquisa de construção teórica de natureza qualitativa, na qual adotou-se a abordagem de pesquisa processual. Selecionou-se três casos de grandes empresas que estão desenvolvendo iniciativas híbridas com a população de baixa renda no Brasil. Para a realização dessa tese, foi necessário desenvolver uma metodologia de pesquisa qualitativa que combina métodos de origem Positivista e Interpretativista. Em uma primeira etapa, realizou-se estudos de caso extensos para descrever o desenvolvimento das iniciativas híbridas das três empresas pesquisadas. Na segunda etapa, essa tese realizou a análise cruzada dos casos pesquisados e desenvolveu a proposição de dois modelos teóricos sobre como as grandes empresas desenvolvem capacidades híbridas com a base da pirâmide utilizando suas Capacidades Dinâmicas. O primeiro modelo teórico visou simplificar teorizações anteriores do conceito de Capacidades Dinâmicas para analisar o funcionamento das Capacidades Dinâmicas utilizando elementos comuns a qualquer organização: processos, aprendizagem organizacional e relações sociais. O segundo modelo teórico explicou os resultados encontrados nas análises anteriores. Como também explicou como funcionam as Capacidades Dinâmicas por meio da combinação de duas metateorias de mudança organizacional (Van de Ven & Poole, 1995; Weick & Quinn, 1999). Desse modo, a principal contribuição teórica dessa tese foi a descoberta de quatro motores geradores de mudança (Ciclo de Vida, Teleologia, Dialético e Evolucionário) e dois ritmos de mudança (Episódico e Contínuo) que explicam como as Capacidades Dinâmicas funcionam. Além disso, esse estudo também criou os conceitos de capacidades híbridas e virada na hibridização organizacional. Essa tese também propôs recomendações práticas para os gestores que trabalham em iniciativas híbridas de grandes empresas como negócios inclusivos e Valor Compartilhado. / The announcement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals has strengthened the global organizational hybridization movement in large corporations in which corporations are including social and environmental goals in their strategic agendas. In this context, this research intends to answer the question: how do large companies develop hybrid capabilities with the base of the pyramid? To answer this research question, I adopted the theoretical lens of the Dynamic Capabilities. This concept aims to explain how organizations create and change resources and capabilities. The Dynamic Capabilities literature is extensive and robust; however, this concept still needs to be refined to be able to satisfactorily explains how organizations develop operational capabilities, such as hybrid capabilities. Thus, I sought to develop the concept of Dynamic Capabilities in the unusual context in which large companies face when developing hybrid capabilities with the base of the pyramid. Thus this thesis is a theory building research. Also, I employed a qualitative process research design. I selected three cases of large companies that are developing hybrid initiatives with the low-income population in Brazil. To accomplish this thesis, it was necessary to develop a qualitative research methodology that combines methods of Positivist and Interpretative origin. In a first phase, I wrote three extensive case studies to describe the development of hybrid initiatives. In a second phase, I employed a cross case analysis. Then I proposed two theoretical models about how the large companies develop hybrid capacities with the base of the pyramid using their Dynamic Capacities. In the first theoretical model, I sought to simplify previous theorizations of the concept of Dynamic Capabilities to analyze the functioning of Dynamic Capabilities using common elements to any organization: processes, learning and social relations. In the second theoretical model, I explained the results found in previous analyzes. In addition, I explained how Dynamic Capabilities work by combining two metatheories of organizational change (Van de Ven & Poole, 1995; Weick & Quinn, 1999). Therefore, the main theoretical contribution of this thesis was the discovery of four change motors (Cycle of Life, Teleology, Dialectic and Evolutionary) and two rhythms of change (Episodic and Continuous) that explain how Dynamic Capabilities work. In addition to these theoretical contributions, I created the concepts of hybrid capabilities and turning point in organizational hybridization. I also proposed practical recommendations for managers working on hybrid initiatives of large companies such as Inclusive Business and Shared Value.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / ABSTRACT It is estimated that there are currently 3.9 million people living in urban poverty in Thailand, without the existence of an effective social assistance safety-net. This thesis presents an analysis of Thai governments’ urban poverty alleviation policy. The central aim of the thesis is to question whether Thai government policy on urban poverty alleviation can be effective for the poor and the poorest in urban slum communities. Qualitative methods are used, supported by documentary research, and the author’s own experience of being a community development worker and researcher in the urban slums of Thailand over a period of 18 years. I have endeavoured to elicit information from the range of stakeholders engaged with contemporary urban poverty alleviation policy in Bangkok. Thus the research includes the perspectives of policy makers, the poor, and the poorest. I distinguish between these latter two groups by describing those who have access to some government provision for the urban poor and those who are excluded from such provision. I interviewed 18 policy makers, 15 community savings groups committee members, and 65 of the excluded poorest. I investigated the development of policy relating to the urban poor through an analysis of key government reports and documents. I examined all of the government policy documents relating to policies for urban poverty alleviation and the Thai Governments’ five year National Economic and (later) Social Development Plans from 1961 to 2006. I also analysed each of the fifty four Government statements on their policies to the National Assembly covering this period. This research produced two major new vehicles for understanding and interpreting Thai government urban poverty alleviation policy. First, the policy document research enabled me to construct a critical account of the historical development of policy relating to the urban poor, particularly those in slum communities. Second, the interviews produced a unique view of the often desperate lives lived by some Thai citizens who are part of communities residing in what is estimated as 2,000 slums in Thailand. This view is seen through the eyes of both the urban poor and the policy makers. I found attitudes of the policy makers towards the urban poor contain a number of diverse stances, both negative and positive. The Government’s preferred way of helping, previously by housing improvements, and recently by promoting credit and loan schemes with a low interest rate to strengthen community-based organisations and emphasise self-reliance, does help some of the poor; it also excludes others. An important discussion in the thesis is about self-reliance. This is widely referred to by all stakeholders-from HM The King, through leading thinkers including Buddhist scholars, to the poorest in the slum communities. I analyse what such a concept means to each of these groups. I have found there may be little agreement, either on what is being spoken about, or what the implications of self-reliance are for helping Thailand’s poorest citizens. The thesis is also concerned with how to improve the situations of the poor. There is therefore a review of some curricula relating to the training of social/community workers to assess how well students are prepared for their work. The conclusions make some practical recommendations for change at a policy level, via civil society, and in professional education. The direct education and training of the poor is seen as crucial to any substantial improvements. My own experience, producing the thesis in a western country, is included throughout. This is in order to reflect on my learning and the challenges of researching within and outside the Thai social structure.

<p>Namibia is one of the most unequal countries in the world and has high rates of poverty. In the thesis the proposal for a basic income grant as a strategy for poverty alleviation in Namibia is analyzed. The study is based on six interviews with the Basic Income Grant Coalition in Namibia and their four publications. The theoretical and methodological framework is Fairclough’s critical discourse analysis and social theory of discourse. Conceptions about the economical and political situation of Namibia in relation to inequality are discussed, as well as the image of the desired citizen in neo-liberal societies. Poverty is conceptualized as a trap where the BIG is regarded as a way out from poverty to a situation of confidence, engagement and economic activity. Contemporary classifications and means testing for social grants are problematized as inefficient and discriminative. The BIG is regarded as right in the context of the big inequalities in Namibia. It is suggested that the BIG Coalition with the proposal for the grant also offers alternative conceptions about Namibia and about the possibilities for change in the situation of poverty.</p>

This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the GWAPA Single Mothers Poverty alleviation Programme. The study hypothesized that women in Gweru are among the most vulnerable to poverty and disease and GWAPA project may be an effective source to their poverty alleviation. Main objectives of the study were to explain selected development concepts, to explore the relationship between gender and poverty, to investigate the effectiveness of the GWAPA Programme, to outline the challenges faced by GWAPA, and to offer recommendations based on research findings to help improve the effectiveness of the programme. Both theoretical study and empirical research methods were used to ensure a balanced evaluation of the problem. The theoretical study established that the target population for poverty alleviation and development programmes must be fully involved for development to replace poverty. On average women were found to be poorer than men and hence the need for projects that focus on poverty alleviation among women. In the empirical study 375 of the 1756 GWAPA single women members were used as questionnaire respondents, and 3 management employees were sampled for the interviews. Descriptive survey and qualitative participatory approaches were used as the main research methodologies. This hybrid approach was intended to improve the validity and reliability of the outcome of the study by mitigating weaknesses of different individual approaches. This approach would ensure maximum utilization and involvement of subjects and available resources. Questionnaires, interviews and documentary evidence augmented by the researcher's experience with the NGDO were used as research instruments. Of the 375 Questionnaires distributed, 357 (95%) were collected. Various statistical measures were used to summarize and interpret the data, particularly tables, graphs and charts, actual frequencies and percentage rates. Narrative descriptions were also used to explain given scenarios and relationships. The study established that poverty and development are multidimensional concepts, families headed by women are on average poorer than those headed by men, respondents' lives have changed for the better, GWAPA single mothers have work overload especially considering that as women they shoulder the biggest chunk of the family responsibilities, and most of the GWAPA projects which started well were now suffocating under the current economic hardships.. Main challenges faced by GWAPA include the current political and economic environment, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, the limited educational levels among its members, members' limited access to resources, community cultural biases and negative attitudes towards single mothers and commercial sex workers, government regulation on financial transactions and the amount of cash one should hold outside the banking system, and work overload among members. The study recommends involvement of GWAPA members' opposite sex partners as affiliates, intensive public campaigns, lobbying and advocacy to remove the stigma and negative attitudes towards single mothers and commercial sex workers, improving infrastructure and the GWAPA Farm operations, engaging long term facilitators, certification after attending training programmes, excelling awards, present manuals in mother languages, and alternative fundraising strategies. The government and municipalities are encouraged to invest more in the small enterprise sector as it has proven to have the capability to create employment and develop communities by mobilizing the grassroots. The study also recommends a more detailed and deeper participatory study, related comparative studies that show differences and similarities between related projects in different areas in Zimbabwe, and similar studies on DNGOs that work with both sexes in different areas in Zimbabwe. / Thesis (M. Development and Management)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

<p>It is the aim of this study to determine the location of poverty alleviation within the framework of the church's missionary activity. The following three approaches will be examined, namely a dualistic approach, the approach of liberation theology and a multi-dimensional approach. The author analysed literature of writers within the context of South African missiological discourse.</p>

<p>In South Africa, poverty engendered by the apartheid regime has long been part of the fabric of the economy. Against this background of social marginalisation, material deprivation and individual vulnerability, tourism has over the years increasingly been mooted as a strategically important and lucrative sector that, if fully explored and exploited, would lead to sustained poverty alleviation in the Republic of South Africa. The central aim of this study was to establish whether tourism as evident in the Spier Tourism model is a sustainable poverty-reduction strategy. The specific objectives of this study were to examine the socio-economic impact of Spier tourism initiatives on its workers (previously disadvantaged individuals) and the local population, to assess the pro-poor tourism practices as implemented by Spier in relation to Rogerson&rsquo / s pro-poor approach, to identify the challenges that Spier is facing in its pro-poor tourism approach with respect to poverty reduction goals, to provide recommendations on how the challenges can be met most effectively and to examine how pro-poor tourism can be promoted and enhanced in South Africa. The study employed both the qualitative and quantitative research designs. Data were collected through different qualitative and quantitative techniques (in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, questionnaire). Summary findings indicate that Spier has positively contributed to the socio-economic improvement in the living standards (contribution to livelihood &ndash / increased income, enhanced health and food status), through job creation, improved education/healthcare, empowerment through training and skill development, investment in the corporate social responsibility. However, Spier is still grappling with challenges such as racial disputes, insufficient income of employees and unqualified staff to mention a few. This study makes several recommendations which are based on the findings.</p>

Namibia is one of the most unequal countries in the world and has high rates of poverty. In the thesis the proposal for a basic income grant as a strategy for poverty alleviation in Namibia is analyzed. The study is based on six interviews with the Basic Income Grant Coalition in Namibia and their four publications. The theoretical and methodological framework is Fairclough’s critical discourse analysis and social theory of discourse. Conceptions about the economical and political situation of Namibia in relation to inequality are discussed, as well as the image of the desired citizen in neo-liberal societies. Poverty is conceptualized as a trap where the BIG is regarded as a way out from poverty to a situation of confidence, engagement and economic activity. Contemporary classifications and means testing for social grants are problematized as inefficient and discriminative. The BIG is regarded as right in the context of the big inequalities in Namibia. It is suggested that the BIG Coalition with the proposal for the grant also offers alternative conceptions about Namibia and about the possibilities for change in the situation of poverty.

The ability of the mobile phone to reach and connect people like no technology before it, coupled with its productive potential to benefit private industry, governments, and the poor, makes it an extremely powerful tool for economic development – a tool that is worth investing in. Since their introduction, cell phones have demonstrated the ability to yield for the public good through improved information exchange and access to health care and financial services. In order to realize this potential, the private and public sectors must cooperate to improve regulations to encourage healthy competition and new capital investment while facilitating education in cell phone use.

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The world has witnessed a transformation process associated with the drastic changes in social, political and economic spheres under the constraints of neo-liberalism with opening up new challenges for humanity. At that context, as a global problem, poverty has been aggravating at the world-wide and now urban areas are more exposed to risks of poverty. In this regard, reforms of that restructuring process have centered on the requirement of local administrations at poverty struggle. The purpose of this study is to explore local policy initiatives of local administrations at combating urban poverty with also taking into consideration the central government practices. By the help of the GEKA provinces of Denizli, Aydin, and Mugla cases, urban poverty struggle has been examined in detail by a method covering survey application to the impoverished and the in-depth interview method with local and central government officials. At the study, it is seen that in each case study, local administrations have different institutional, political and social service based contingency variables. Local authorities of case provinces cannot produce systematic, standardized, equal and general poverty alleviation policies and services because of the inherent nature of local government tied to uneven development and contingent local variation. Thus, within the limitation of the study, urban poverty struggle have been searched in specific cases, but it is not possible to determine the results of the research to other cases in Turkey. Even though the research covers up few cases at the urban level, the results will be worthwhile and shed light on other future studies.