IIM Lucknow Research Identifies Key Processes for Building  Resilient, Inclusive Communities

 This pioneering study is significant as it provides crucial insights into how  marginalised communities can overcome entrenched inequalities and  build sustainable, inclusive futures 

Lucknow: A research study conducted by faculty at Indian Institute of Management Lucknow has highlighted the importance of  empowering marginalized communities to overcome entrenched inequalities while  preserving their autonomy in the face of external pressures.  

This pioneering study is significant as it provides crucial insights into how marginalised  communities can overcome entrenched inequalities and build sustainable, inclusive  futures. It explores the transformative role of grassroots ‘Community Collectives’ (CCs)  as viable alternatives to traditional top-down economic models, offering fresh insights  into sustainable development and inclusive governance. 

The study, published in Organization Studies, an esteemed FT-50 journal known for its  academic rigor and impact in business and management, has earned a place on  the Responsible Research in Business and Management (RRBM) Honor Roll. The FT-50  list includes the top 50 academic journals in business, economics, and management,  recognized for their rigorous peer review and relevance to both academia and  industry. Supported by global leaders like AACSB, EFMD Global, PRME, The Aspen  Institute, and GRLI, the RRBM Honor Roll recognizes research that positively impacts  society and promotes responsible management. 

The research was 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. Their study investigates how community  collectives are actively addressing issues of marginalization and shaping inclusive  futures. 

Elaborating on the key research findings, Prof. Dhirendra Mani Shukla, Assistant  Professor, Strategic Management, IIM Lucknow, and one of the researchers of the  study, 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 organising models within  marginalized, place-based communities, focusing on sustainable resource  management and inclusive decision-making. It provides valuable lessons for other  communities, policymakers, and organisations working to address social hierarchies  and promote environmental sustainability.

Through a comparative case study of two Indian community collectives in Central  India, the researchers highlight two crucial themes in grassroots organising: Projective  Cultural Adjustment and Tempered Autonomy. 

‘Projective Cultural Adjustment’ examines how communities either adapt or move  away from traditional practices to overcome challenges and achieve sustainable  growth. 

‘Tempered Autonomy’ focuses on how marginalized communities negotiate their  independence while carefully avoiding direct confrontation with dominant  powers, both internal and external. 

These themes offer critical insights into the strategies employed by community  collectives in their pursuit of autonomy and resilience. 

The study identifies three key processes of prefigurative organising that emerge within  these communities: 

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

These processes illustrate how community collectives navigate the complexities of  marginalization, foster self-reliance, and simultaneously honor traditional values while  adapting to external pressures. 

The Key findings from the study include

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 offers practical models for sustainable resource management and inclusive  governance, providing actionable lessons for policymakers and organizations. The  research is globally relevant, offering solutions to address systemic inequalities and  promote community empowerment, making it a valuable contribution to the field of  sustainable development. 

This research was supported by the IDRC Doctoral Research Award (#107473- 99906075-074 to Prof. Babita Bhatt) and the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong  (GRF Grants to Prof. Israr Qureshi and Prof. Babita Bhatt). The collaborative nature of  this research underscores its global significance and its potential impact on the future  of sustainable community development.

Indian Institute of Management Lucknow, established in 1984, is the fourth in the prestigious IIM  family of management schools to be established in India after IIM Calcutta, IIM Ahmedabad, and IIM Bangalore. In 2005, IIM Lucknow expanded its area of influence in the realm of  management education by becoming the first IIM to set up a satellite campus exclusively for  Executive Education at NOIDA in Delhi NCR region. 

IIM Lucknow is accredited by AACSB and AMBA while its EQUIS Accreditation is ongoing. The  institute features in the prestigious FT -100 Top Global Business schools for both the 2-year  Flagship PGP program and One-year IPMX Program. It is also consistently ranked amongst top  business schools in the NIRF Rankings. IIM Lucknow was the first IIM to start a 2-year full time  MBA program in Sustainable Management 10 years back. It also has a long-standing full-time  MBA program in Agri Business Management. 

 

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