Partnership - Just Another Buzzword?
Partnership is a widely used term in the field of development aid. Through overuse, the concept has become a buzzword, often used to describe relationships regardless of how they are organised, according to the report.
Published: 14.02.2022
Last updated: 12.05.2026
Click on the image to download the report.
A buzzword
The term is often used for most relationships in the development aid and international development sectors, regardless of how the co-operation is actually organized in practice. Partnership is a buzzword without any specific meaning.
Norec partners support the principle of true partnership
Most Norec partners endorse and enact the underlying principles of partnership, and have a common understanding of the concept.
Skewed power dynamics are rarely reported among Norec partners
Norec partners expressed that skewed power dynamics were not a significant issue in their exchange partnerships. However, from the practical examples given in their interviews, this may suggest limited awareness of (or reluctance to report) those power dynamics.
Norec achieves partial success with the partnership concept
Norec uses the concept of partnership diligently in guidance documents for its applicants, emphasizing qualities like mutual ownership, reciprocity, and co-operation. But Norec fails to specify how to put this concept into practice in measurable ways.
