Clashes of cultures in an international aid organisation: Information cultures, languages and the use of information systems. (22nd February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Frings‐Hessami, Viviane; Oliver, Gillian
• Is Part Of: Journal of international development. Volume 34:Number 7(2022)
• Page Start: 1414
• Page End: 1429
• Publication Date: 2022-02-22
• Subjects: accountability -- Bangladesh -- information culture -- information systems -- international non‐governmental organisations -- languages -- linguistic imperialism; Economic development projects -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic policy -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Foreign economic relations -- Periodicals; Economic development -- Periodicals; 330.91724
• DOI: 10.1002/jid.3644
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-1748

Abstract

Abstract: International non‐governmental organisations (INGOs) bring together actors from three very different backgrounds: international aid workers, national aid workers generally from the urban middle classes and disadvantaged communities. However, the ways national aid workers negotiate their cultural encounters and use accountability tools and information systems have not been the objects of much research. In this article, we analyse how the Bangladeshi employees of an INGO with headquarters in the United Kingdom and a country branch in Bangladesh are using accountability tools and information systems developed by and for English speakers and how they are coming up with work practices that are more attuned with their cultural and linguistic preferences.