A case study for the project ‘Capacity, Change and Performance’
John Saxby, ECDPM Discussion Paper 57C, 2004. This paper examines a Brazilian social solidarity network, COEP, through the lens of organisational and social capacity and change. COEP’s members include government agencies, parastatals and organisations from the private sector and civil society. The case examines how the network has evolved and identifies the capabilities that have enabled it to become a thriving and dynamic network active throughout the country. The case suggests that the critical forces that have allowed these capabilities to emerge are to be found within COEP’s internal resources, both intangible and material. Three critical factors have reinforced each other – creative leadership that enjoys substantial legitimacy, a sustained capability for strategic thinking and change, and the commitment of its members and even more the passion, ideas and energy that the people of COEP bring to their work.