The darker side of development: Ambitious goals or unrealistic objectives?


The darker side of development: Ambitious goals or unrealistic objectives?

Photo Credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images

Do we set unrealistic expectations within the development community for what can be achieved in the time and with the resources available? What are the benefits and consequences of setting ambitious goals?

I explore these questions in the latest episode of A Deeper Look with Alicia Phillips Mandaville, Vice President for global programs at IREX. We discuss program design, measurement of results and how politics influences development efforts.

This conversation is part of this year’s theme for A Deeper Look podcast, in which we explore the darker side of development — the paradoxes and unintended consequences that surround international development efforts. You can listen to the episode on iTunes, SoundCloud or wherever you get your podcasts. I invite you to subscribe and join the conversation by leaving a comment, submitting a rating or sharing this episode on social media.

Read the transcript.

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