The lack of organizational learning in slum upgrading success: the case of the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Programme 2011–2020

George Kiambuthi Wainaina; Bernhard Truffer; Christoph Lüthi; Peris Korir Mang’ira

doi:10.1177/09562478231175041

The lack of organizational learning in slum upgrading success: the case of the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Programme 2011–2020

George Kiambuthi Wainaina, Bernhard Truffer^*, Christoph Lüthi, Peris Korir Mang’ira

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review

Abstract

Not all the challenges of informal settlement upgrading programmes can be anticipated from the start. It calls for cumulative learning within the programme’s timeline. This paper investigates the role of organizational learning in influencing programme outcomes. The analysis of the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Programme (KISIP) shows that a lack of organizational learning routines can lead to reduced programme success, and that programme learning can improve programme outcomes. Well-conceptualized processes that include participation, coordination, communication and the synthesis of information are essential, though insufficient alone. Additional barriers, including a sudden increase in the number and diversity of actors and projects, their deteriorating commitment, inequitable incentives and inadequate tools to support programme learning, can further exacerbate the absence of established programme learning routines. There is a need for explicit and transparent programme learning procedures across organizational levels in order to improve overall programme success.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	490-507
Number of pages	18
Journal	Environment and Urbanization
Volume	35
Issue number	2
Early online date	Jul 2023
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1177/09562478231175041
Publication status	Published - Oct 2023

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This research was funded by Eawag Discretionary Funds. The authors are grateful to Eawag, informal settlement residents in Kenya and all the anonymous reviewers and editors who were very resourceful throughout the publication process.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).

Funding

This research was funded by Eawag Discretionary Funds. The authors are grateful to Eawag, informal settlement residents in Kenya and all the anonymous reviewers and editors who were very resourceful throughout the publication process.

Keywords

communication
coordination
informal settlements
organizational learning
participation
programme learning
projects and programmes
slum upgrading

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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10.1177/09562478231175041Licence: CC BY

wainaina-et-al-2023-the-lack-of-organizational-learning-in-slum-upgrading-success-the-case-of-the-kenya-informalFinal published version, 160 KBLicence: CC BY

Cite this

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abstract = "Not all the challenges of informal settlement upgrading programmes can be anticipated from the start. It calls for cumulative learning within the programme{\textquoteright}s timeline. This paper investigates the role of organizational learning in influencing programme outcomes. The analysis of the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Programme (KISIP) shows that a lack of organizational learning routines can lead to reduced programme success, and that programme learning can improve programme outcomes. Well-conceptualized processes that include participation, coordination, communication and the synthesis of information are essential, though insufficient alone. Additional barriers, including a sudden increase in the number and diversity of actors and projects, their deteriorating commitment, inequitable incentives and inadequate tools to support programme learning, can further exacerbate the absence of established programme learning routines. There is a need for explicit and transparent programme learning procedures across organizational levels in order to improve overall programme success.",

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note = "Funding Information: This research was funded by Eawag Discretionary Funds. The authors are grateful to Eawag, informal settlement residents in Kenya and all the anonymous reviewers and editors who were very resourceful throughout the publication process. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2023 International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).",

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The lack of organizational learning in slum upgrading success: the case of the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Programme 2011–2020

Abstract

Bibliographical note

Funding

Keywords

UN SDGs

Access to Document

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