From Social Engineering to Community Transformation: Amul, Grameen Bank, and Mondragon as Exemplar Organizations 1

Abstract

Engineering is an applied field that attempts to solve problems by using the theories and methods of science, and indeed it is dedicated to finding technological solutions to human needs, and in that sense is a discipline focused on problem solving. When a new technology is imposed instead of integrated in the community with the participation of the people, it often destroys the community. This chapter presents a model derived from the community psychology literature that suggests that there are five essentials of community transformation—the role of the social change agent in the community, the way the problem is defined, information collected, solution implemented, and the need for flexibility in each of these steps. It also presents three case studies—Amul (India), Grameen Bank (Bangladesh), and Mondragon (Spain)—that support the model. The chapter discusses the need to move away from the engineering problem-solving paradigm for social change, and also discusses some implications for leadership, sustainable institution building, and organizational development.

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