Collaboration
As part of CCI’s goal of accelerating political, economic, and social development, we provide assistance to governments, development assistance institutions, non-governmental organizations, and universities. Our training and technical assistance may take several forms.
Values Survey
CCI collaborates with interested governments or organizations to produce values profiles of a particular population or group. The objective of such a project is (1) diagnosing the profile of values held by the selected population on a continuum that ranges from progress-prone to progress-resistant values; (2) determining which is an optimal combination among the most influential and respected vehicles of value-change (child rearing, education, religion, media, legal systems, and/or leadership) to increase the chances for a successful and beneficial value change program; and (3) identifying the best channels of dissemination, communication and discussion of the project findings that will reinforce the interest of the group/population in improving their health, education, work-ethic, social cohesion, political participation and respect for others.
In order to achieve the above objectives, such a study has three main components:
- Quantitative research: a public opinion survey to identify the values profile of local;
- Qualitative research: focus groups discussions to identify which combination of the five culture-vehicles of value change (child-rearing, school, church, media, and leadership, or any combination of those) is more appropriate to assist people understanding and accepting new values; and
- Dissemination: free and open discussions with local experts and knowledgeable academics, focusing on pragmatic, down-to-earth, and easy to implement actions aimed at mothers, teachers, priests, the media, and leaders (business, political and intellectual).
Values survey projects are done in collaboration with a local research partner.
Training
CCI provides one- to two-week training programs in Cultural Values and Development. Participants investigate whether there are particular cultural values and attitudes that are particularly conducive to development, and discuss the moral and ethical implications of pursuing progressive cultural change. Using case studies, we discuss how leaders in a variety of nations have successfully nurtured progressive cultural values among their people. We also discuss the potential levers of cultural change, such as child-rearing, education, media, religion, leadership, and law. Finally, participants use the lessons gleaned from the training to develop a model intervention for their own country or population of interest. Sessions are led by senior academics and researchers from the Fletcher School and Harvard University, as well as business and media executives.
Speaking engagements
CCI staff are available to speak to interested audiences on the topic of cultural values and development. We also conduct half- or full-day workshops for organizations whose staff are engaged in education, governance, or international development work.
If your organization is interested in collaborating with CCI, please contact us.