The Spectrum of Motivations, Expectations and Attitudes in Technical Development Cooperation

Abstract

This article examines the motivations and experiences of persons working in different technical cooperation roles within international development cooperation, analysing how they differ, yet contain a common thread. The study consists of interviews and a questionnaire directed to volunteers, NGO staff, junior professional officers, technical advisors, researchers and donor staff – as well as personal reflections. I consider the literature on motivations and gift theory, including binary positions applied to development work, such as work/career–volunteer; selfish–altruistic motivations. An element of altruism was common for many, but was more frequently vocalised by the older respondents, while career imperatives appeared to be more important for the younger cohort. I found considerable fluidity of movement of individuals between the categories of technical cooperation, and no matter their starting point, a tendency to stay in development throughout their career and identify with a development culture or habitus.