Consultant’s dilemmas: Trust, ethics, and effective practice across cultures

Conclusion

The complex nature of an international development project is amplified by adding instructional and informational technologies to the activities of a project. In the case of the SRP and the CBNRMP, I was fortunate to be able to learn about these challenges as an integral participant. Underlying the technical, logistical, and educational aspects are fascinating elements of ethics, economics, and trust. Precisely because of the complexity, it takes considerable experience and effort to balance the apparently conflicting spheres of interest and centers of power. Navigating these channels while maintaining focus on the goals of the project and of the stakeholders takes patience, diligent attention, and wit.

Connecting honestly and professionally with other participants and preserving a sense of balance and a sense of humor make it possible to work well in unfamiliar surroundings and to sort out the issues of professionalism, trust, and ethics that inevitably confront a consultant who is responsible for activities regarding economics, technology, and training. Working toward understanding the project’s needs and goals and contextualizing them within the cultural and personal contexts of the situation can help keep the consultant centered and allow him or her to deal with ethical dilemmas from a grounded and empathetic position. Unless one consciously cultivates a reflective perspective, the consultant’s decisions are less wise, the actions less sure, and the various goals more at risk. Even when faced with difficult situations and bureaucratic limitations, an ethical and professional approach can serve all stakeholders and permit the consultant to keep challenges and decisions in context and to keep faith with local collaborators.