Toward isomorphism in development aid? A study on current trust patterns and their implications for the multi-actor policy on diversity in aid

Over the past decade, the inclusion of a variety of diverse actors has been proclaimed the way forward to combat global poverty.

However, despite intentions of the Swedish multi-actor policy to safeguard diversity, data indicates an increased isomorphism in the organization of aid.

Actors from different institutional domains are seen to operate in a similar way, a conformity often shaped by general management knowledge.

This project seeks to develop systematic data on how diversity objectives of the multi-actor policy are being met in actual practice.

A mixed-methods design, combining surveys and focus group interviews, is used to make comparisons across and within actor groups, in Sweden and Tanzania.

By mapping current trust patterns among intermediaries in aid, across actor groups, and discussing implications of these trust patterns, the project will contribute not only to develop theory on trust, but also policy relevant knowledge on ways to safeguard diversity in the organization of aid.

Theoretically, our aim is to make sense of current trust patterns in aid, where our previous findings suggest that current trust patterns may contribute to explain isomorphism (conformity) in aid. We will also study variation and resistance to isomorphism, that is how diversity may be defended and promoted.