The human orientation in community development centers on fostering empathy, fairness, and kindness within a community's fabric and processes. It is fundamentally about prioritizing the well-being, dignity, and positive social interactions among individuals as core goals and methods of development.
Based on the definition by House et al. (2004,p. ), "humane orientation" is defined as "the degree to which an organization or society encourages and rewards individuals for being fair, altruistic, friendly, generous, caring, and kind to others". Applying this concept to community development means assessing how well a community, through its initiatives, norms, and structures, promotes and values these prosocial behaviors among its members.
Understanding Human Orientation in the Community Context
In community development, a strong human orientation implies that efforts are not solely focused on physical infrastructure or economic growth, but deeply embedded in strengthening social capital, promoting equity, and ensuring that all members feel valued and supported. It's about building a community where compassion and mutual respect are encouraged and are visible in everyday interactions and collective actions.
Key Characteristics of a High Human Orientation in Community Development:
- Emphasis on Relationship Building: Prioritizing trust and connection among community members.
- Inclusive Participation: Ensuring that diverse voices, especially those often marginalized, are heard and valued in decision-making.
- Support for Vulnerable Groups: Actively working to protect and uplift the most disadvantaged members.
- Promotion of Altruism and Generosity: Creating environments where people feel motivated to help others.
- Fairness and Equity: Striving for just distribution of resources and opportunities.
Practical Implications for Community Development
Integrating a human orientation into community development strategies involves shifting focus from purely transactional approaches to those that cultivate empathy and collective responsibility.
Examples of Human Orientation in Practice:
- Participatory Planning: Implementing processes where community members collaboratively design projects, fostering a sense of ownership and mutual respect.
- Community-Based Care Networks: Organizing volunteer groups to support elderly, sick, or struggling neighbors.
- Restorative Justice Initiatives: Addressing conflict by focusing on repairing harm and rebuilding relationships within the community.
- Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD): Identifying and leveraging the strengths and gifts of individuals and local associations, emphasizing internal capacity and mutual support.
- Promoting Local Economies with Social Impact: Supporting businesses and initiatives that prioritize fair wages, ethical practices, and community well-being over profit maximization alone.
Comparing High vs. Low Human Orientation
The impact of human orientation on community development outcomes can be significant.
| Feature | High Human Orientation in Community Development | Low Human Orientation in Community Development |
|---|---|---|
| Community Trust | High; people feel safe, supported, and connected. | Low; suspicion and isolation may be prevalent. |
| Social Cohesion | Strong; diverse groups interact positively and work together. | Weak; fragmentation, conflict, and lack of cooperation. |
| Equity | Actively addressed; efforts to ensure fairness and support vulnerable populations. | May be overlooked; disparities can widen. |
| Development Focus | Holistic (social, economic, environmental, and relational well-being). | Primarily focused on material or economic growth, potentially neglecting social costs. |
| Participation | Inclusive and empowering; diverse voices are sought and respected. | Exclusive; power may be concentrated, and marginalized groups ignored. |
Ultimately, the human orientation in community development is about building communities that are not just economically viable or physically developed, but are fundamentally kind, fair, and supportive places for everyone to live and thrive. It is about consciously designing and implementing development processes that "encourage and reward" the positive human behaviors defined by House et al. (2004,p.).
