The role of social capital in collaborative governmental and non-governmental programmes on poverty reduction in Sri Lanka

The research study focused on the management of social capital as it relates to governmental and non-governmental programmes as one of the strategies to reduce poverty in Sri Lanka. The empirical information revealed that the relationship between government organizations (GOs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) had changed from ‘laissez-faire’ to ‘suspicion and supervision’ and at times ‘repressive tolerance. ’ While both GOs and NGOs had committed to reduce poverty, but there had been no unified effort between them, and relations had been merely superficial. Thus, the research began with the priori that the relationship is strained or near the level of non-existence. The research was applied, with the objective of finding solutions to human, social and organizational problems in GO-NGO relationships. The study was conducted at two levels, namely national/divisional, and at the community level with the participation of GOs, NGOs and other interested groups in Sri Lanka. Both qualitative and quantitative data were engaged and content analysis was used in the study. Historical evidence revealed that strong relationships of trust, connectedness, norms, reciprocity, self-help and co-operation and voluntarism were traditionally practiced and continue in Sri Lanka. These factors were at the heart of social capital operating in smaller community groups but did not extend beyond the village. In the present context, in developing relationships between the GOs and NGOs, factors such as communication, participation, leadership, partnership and organizational structure evolved as important ingredients. It was observed further that these factors were closely interrelated and linked with the capacity building process where social capital had greater impact. Analysis of past and present relationships were beneficial in determining the possible levels, sectors and groups to develop organizational co-operation between GOs and NGOs, with the support and facilitation of other interest groups. The study revealed that social capital was a critical element of capacity building and also an impact on qualitative change of individual organizations in District Consortia (DCs). The study also showed that the relationship between government officials and NGO representatives at the community level could be enhanced through collaborative programmes. Extending these activities vertically and horizontally by bridging and linking with other organizations and different hierarchies from the community to the national levels could improve the relationships between the GOs and NGOs. Finally, the empirical findings of the research assisted in developing a potential social capital operational model to enhance relationships and provide recommendations for achieving collaborative GO-NGO development in Sri Lanka.