IIM Lucknow Study Highlights Key Processes for Inclusive Community Development

IIM Lucknow research reveals how marginalised communities can overcome inequalities and build inclusive, sustainable futures. Check complete details here

IIM Lucknow Study Highlights Key Processes for Inclusive Community Development

A research study by faculty at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow underscores the importance of empowering marginalised communities to overcome deep-rooted inequalities while safeguarding their autonomy against external pressures. This pioneering work provides vital insights into pathways for marginalized groups to build sustainable, inclusive futures. It emphasizes the transformative potential of grassroots Community Collectives (CCs) as alternatives to traditional top-down economic models, offering fresh perspectives on sustainable development and inclusive governance.

The research, led by Prof. Babita Bhatt and Prof. Israr Qureshi from The Australian National University, along with Prof. Dhirendra Mani Shukla from IIM Lucknow and Prof. Pradeep Kumar Hota from IIM Udaipur, examines how community collectives are tackling marginalization and fostering inclusive futures. The study was published in Organization Studies, an FT-50 journal known for its academic rigour and impact on business and management.  

Elaborating on the key research findings, Prof. Dhirendra Mani Shukla, Assistant Professor, Strategic Management, IIM Lucknow said, “Our study provides a roadmap for building more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive communities. By strategically engaging with both internal cultural practices and external governance structures, marginalized communities can shape their own futures.”

The research offers a unique exploration of alternative organizing models within marginalized, place-based communities, emphasizing sustainable resource management and inclusive decision-making. It provides valuable insights for other communities, policymakers, and organizations working to challenge social hierarchies and promote environmental sustainability. The study identifies three key processes of prefigurative organising that emerge within these communities:

• Pre-figuring Self-Governance: Establishing autonomous decision-making structures within the community.
• ‘Commoning’: Collaborative management of shared resources such as water sources and community forests.
• Cultivating Discursive Spaces: Creating platforms for inclusive dialogue and decision-making.

Findings from the study

• Empowering Local Governance: The research demonstrates how marginalized communities can create autonomous, sustainable governance structures that address local challenges.
• Sustainable Resource Management: By developing common resources and fostering cooperation, these collectives offer practical models for managing natural resources sustainably.
• Inclusive Decision-Making: The study proposes new governance models that incorporate diverse perspectives, promoting social resilience and inclusivity.

The study presents practical models for sustainable resource management and inclusive governance, offering actionable insights for policymakers and organizations. With global relevance, the research provides solutions to tackle systemic inequalities and foster community empowerment, making it a significant contribution to sustainable development.

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