Citizen management and participation: The case of community action boards

Abstract

Effectively managing organizations, regardless of their nature, is a requirement. Only through good management is their survival achieved, as well as their ability to continue to meet the demands of their stakeholders. This paper reports on the management status in community action boards (JAC, for its initials in Spanish) and their relationship with their surroundings, especially with the community they represent. The methodology is approached from a descriptive study with a non-experimental field design; the sample under study is of 15 JAC from the southeastern locality of Barranquilla; a questionnaire and an interview were designed for managers and members of organizations. Evidence reveals shortcomings in internal and external management by the JAC, which limits citizen participation and community development. The need to reflect on the management and skills of directors and members of these organizations in order to have a real impact on local development is highlighted.