Working across different organisations and different realities
Many human rights and environmental issues cannot be addressed effectively by one organisation acting alone. Companies may need to work with industry peers, NGOs, trade unions, public bodies, local organisations and people with direct experience of the issue.
Each brings something different. NGOs and trade unions may contribute subject expertise, local relationships and the perspectives of workers or communities. Companies bring operational reach, commercial relationships and resources. Governments and industry bodies may have regulatory authority or the ability to influence conditions across a sector.
They do not enter the collaboration with the same mandate, power or accountability. A company representative may support the initiative but lack authority over the functions expected to act. An NGO does not automatically represent everyone affected. Participants may also have different views of what progress looks like and how quickly it should be achieved.
Organisational constraints matter because they affect what can be delivered. They need to be understood and addressed, rather than used to lower ambition or postpone action.
Bluespar’s experience spans international business, corporate sustainability and multi-stakeholder work.
We know that progress can stall for many reasons. By understanding the constraints and perspectives of each participant, we can help them work through obstacles and find common ground.
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