A case study for the project ‘Capacity, Change and Performance’
V. Hauck, A. Mandie Filer and J. Bolger, ECDPM Discussion Paper 57E, 2005. This case examines the role of Christian churches as institutional actors within Papua New Guinea’s governance and service delivery landscape. It discusses their existing capabilities to engage in advocacy and policy related work, as well as to function as a partner of government in the delivery of social services. In so doing, it looks at the interplay of endogenous change processes and the development of capabilities to see how this has translated into the performance of various church-based institutions and the capacity of the church sector as a whole. The case identifies some of the key capabilities that have emerged across sections of the church community and that have contributed to its ability to engage in governance work. These are bonding; bridging; linking and the use of space. The interplay of these capabilities supported by incremental and locally based change processes with some external support have led to a discernable capacity to perform. These have in turn been triggered by six factors; leadership; religious interpretations (values); a shared conceptual base and faith-based mandate; appropriate communication channels; legitimacy through resilience, knowledge and service delivery; intermediary structures and organisations.