VIPP_Unicef

VIPP has great potential for democratizing group processes. It may
be adapted for use in different cultural contexts and at different
levels of society. In different cultures it may be necessary to
incorporate techniques, such as the expert interview, which show due
respect to people in higher positions.
In working at the community or grass-roots level, visualization
techniques require definite changes. If the participants are illiterate
the facilitator may introduce drawings, drama, songs, stories and other
folk media to "visualize" the discussions and agreements. However,
any method has its limitations. In cases where participants are both
illiterate and visually illiterate, it is difficult to use VIPP methods.
Participatory rural appraisal techniques may be more suitable.
Also, when events are so structured and formalized, based on long
traditions which seemingly may not change, it is probably a waste of
effort to attempt to use VIPP. Indeed, attempts may backfire and place
the reputation of the methods in jeopardy.
However, in most situations, VIPP has the potential to improve the
effectiveness of decision making and change the actual organizational
culture by democratizing the process of planning and finding
agreement on work plans. It is efficient for it is quick and transparent
to all participants. It involves everyone in decision making and gains
commitment of staff members to their agreed-upon tasks. Above all,
VIPP will assist in engendering a management style which eliminates
many inefficient meetings and other events.
VIPP can also be incorporated into programmes which involve a group
of decision makers or development workers in living in situations on
which they are making deliberations. Before and after the visit the
participants take part in a workshop, analyzing their preconceptions
and their findings. This may help to revive critical consciousness about
or commitment to their own work.
Mid-level workers and students are often bored with traditional topdown
seminars and lectures and are happy to have the chance to learn
in another setting such as a VIPP event. They are often the best
participants for their curiosity and creativity is very much stimulated.
You may find difficulties in running VIPP techniques, however, with
bureaucrats, administrators and subject matter specialists who feel they
lose status and think the exercises and methods are childish. Many do
not recognize that knowledge generation and problem solving requires
an entire methodology of reflection and feeling, not just intellect,
VIPP is based on an open and democratic state of mind. In entering
bilateral negotiations you must be diplomatic, hiding your cards;
otherwise you may loose. You may use visualization techniques but it
may be difficult to enter creative, open discussions as the decision
making process will not be transparent. VIPP should only be used when
CONCLUSION
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