Capacities at multiple levels and the need for system connections

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Capacity exists at different levels and for capacity to develop effectively one often has to work across such levels. One way of looking at levels is that of different scales of human organisation, for example: individual - team - organization – network - society. Another way of distinguishing levels is that of geographic or administrative units: communities (micro) – districts/provinces (meso) – and
nation state.
This case study1 by Hendrik Visser provides a practical example of a capacity development initiative in road construction that consciously worked across both types of level. The story illustrates how additional capabilities were needed and developed at each level. The practitioner will find lessons on deliberately working with the „multi-level‟ nature of capacity and implications for the place and role of change teams or consultants.

Author(s): Hendrik Visser