How to Collaborate Effectively with Host Stakeholder Communities to Achieve Harmony on Projects
As someone who has worked in the construction industry for over 16 years, I’ve learned that the success of a project hinges not only on its engineering or design but also on the relationships you build with the community that hosts the project. Whether you're constructing a mining facility in a remote region or developing infrastructure in an urban setting, the expectations of the local community—the host stakeholders—are critical. Ignoring these expectations can lead to delays, disputes, or even the complete derailment of a project.
In this blog post, I’ll share how to collaborate effectively with host stakeholder communities, drawing from my personal experiences working on large-scale projects across the globe. By fostering a mutually beneficial relationship, you can achieve harmony with the community and ensure the success of your project.
Understanding the Expectations of the Host Community
Communities expect more than just the economic or physical benefits a project brings. They are often the custodians of the land or environment affected by the project, and they have a vested interest in the outcomes—both short and long term.
When a construction project begins, it disrupts the community’s way of life. Whether it’s the construction of a new residential development in an urban area or a large-scale mining operation in a remote village, the local population must adapt to the changes. They expect to benefit from the project in return for the inconvenience it causes. This is not just a matter of fairness; it’s essential for the long-term success of the project. If the community feels overlooked or exploited, conflicts will inevitably arise.
The key here is to recognize that your project is not just about constructing buildings or infrastructure; it’s about creating value for the people who live around it.
Case in Point: The Impact of Mining on Remote Communities
Take, for example, a mining project I worked on in the remote hills of Eastern DR Congo. The project brought significant economic change to a region that had previously been devastated by conflict. Before the mining project, many of the local workforce were former militia members who had lived off looting and pillaging. The opportunity to work on a legitimate construction project, earn a living, and support their families was transformative for these individuals.
However, this also came with challenges. The project disrupted the agrarian economy, as labor was diverted from farming to mining. This shift in the workforce meant that traditional farming practices were impacted, and the local way of life changed dramatically. While the community benefited from the influx of jobs and economic activity, it also suffered from the long-term consequences of a weakened agricultural sector.
To address these issues, it was essential to collaborate with the community from the start. We worked with local leaders to ensure that the benefits of the project—such as infrastructure improvements and employment—were balanced with efforts to support the local farming economy. By maintaining open communication and involving the community in key decisions, we were able to mitigate some of the negative impacts and create a more sustainable future for the region.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the Host Community
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a critical component of any construction project, particularly in resource-rich but economically fragile areas. CSR goes beyond simply donating money to local causes; it involves making a genuine commitment to operate ethically, sustainably, and in a way that benefits the community as much as the company.
In my experience, companies that engage in meaningful CSR activities build trust with the host community, which can be invaluable. For example, during my work on mining projects in Africa, the local communities were highly supportive because they knew that the company was committed to their long-term well-being. The company provided healthcare, built schools, and created employment opportunities for the locals. This not only fostered goodwill but also ensured that the community was invested in the success of the project.
In one instance, local residents even reported potential security threats to our company before they could escalate, demonstrating the level of trust that had been built. This kind of collaboration wouldn’t have been possible without the strong relationship we had cultivated with the community through our CSR efforts.
The "Social License to Operate"
A concept that has gained traction in recent years is the “Social License to Operate.” This refers to the acceptance and approval of a project by the host community and other stakeholders, beyond the legal and regulatory permissions required to commence construction. Without a social license, even the most technically sound and legally compliant project can face resistance from the community, resulting in costly delays and conflicts.
To earn a social license, project leaders must engage with the community early and often, ensuring that their concerns are heard and addressed. For example, I once worked on a power line project in Canada where delays were caused by land access issues. Local landowners and indigenous communities were upset because they felt they had not been adequately consulted or compensated. This lack of engagement resulted in severe disruptions, pushing the project timeline from a planned three months to over three years. The lesson? If you don’t proactively engage with the community, they will push back, and your project will suffer.
How to Build a Positive Relationship with the Community
Start with Transparency and Communication From the very beginning, it’s crucial to establish open lines of communication with the host community. This means engaging with local leaders, residents, and stakeholders to explain the project’s goals, timelines, and potential impacts. Transparency builds trust, and trust is essential for collaboration.
Acknowledge and Address Concerns The community will have concerns, and it’s your responsibility to address them head-on. Whether it’s environmental issues, disruption to local economies, or fears about long-term impacts, acknowledging these concerns and working to mitigate them is key to maintaining harmony. This is where a well-thought-out CSR strategy can make all the difference.
Focus on Long-Term Benefits While short-term gains such as employment during construction are important, the community will also be thinking about what happens after the project is completed. Will there be lasting benefits, such as improved infrastructure, education, or healthcare? In resource-based projects like mining, where the life of the project may only be a few decades, it’s essential to invest in initiatives that will outlast the construction phase.
Involve the Community in the Process One of the best ways to ensure the community feels a sense of ownership over the project is to involve them directly. This can be done by hiring local labor, consulting on key decisions, or even partnering with local businesses. Involving the community in the project not only helps build goodwill but also reduces the risk of disputes and delays.
Create a Legacy The most successful projects are those that leave a positive legacy. Whether it’s a mining project that transforms a remote village into a bustling town or a housing development that revitalizes an urban area, the goal should always be to create lasting value for the community. This doesn’t just benefit the community—it enhances the reputation of your company and paves the way for future projects.
Conclusion: Achieving Harmony Through Collaboration
Collaborating effectively with host stakeholder communities is not just about preventing disputes; it’s about creating a partnership that benefits everyone involved. By taking the time to understand the community’s needs, engaging in transparent communication, and investing in long-term benefits, you can ensure that your project is not only successful but also leaves a positive legacy.
In today’s world, where corporate social responsibility and social licenses are becoming increasingly important, fostering a strong relationship with the host community is not just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity. By prioritizing collaboration and engagement, you can achieve harmony on your projects and ensure that they deliver value long after construction is complete.
