A Distribution Effect occurs when people perceive that an organization has a bias in favor for or against a specific group through the way they distribute resources.
The criteria interveners use to select recipients of assistance or to hire their staff or identify their partners often match with local identity groups. If the choices about who to help, who to hire or with whom to partner favor one group over others, and thus provide important resources for survival to this group, the assistance becomes contested and can be a serious source of tension and conflict.
Why do negative Distribution Effects happen?
Negative Distribution Effects are often the result of organizations and their staff simply missing the fact that they are focused on one group to the exclusion of others. Often organizations are unaware of the range of groups that exist in the area where they are working! This can be the result of relying on inappropriate criteria without thinking about their implications in the context.
They assume that because they have policies about being equitable their systems will ensure fairness and that because their intentions are good, that people in the community will respect and trust them. Instead, they fail to examine and understand the social dynamics of the context.
A proper Dividers and Connectors Analysis is vital in order to avoid Distribution Effects.
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Related Topics
Distribution Effects in post-conflict settings
Distribution Effects in resource management
Distribution Effects based on the easy route
Distribution Effects based on social or economic criteria
Distribution Effects in post-disaster settings
Using Distribution Effects
Criteria Matter
Using the Six Critical Details
