HRD FOR SOCIETAL SYSTEMS - A SOCIAL IDENTITY BASED APPROACH

This paper analyses the causes for failure of national development eff orts. Incorrect choice of development approach has resulted in widenin g the gap between the rich and the poor. Based on the writings from ps ychology and sociology, a construct of ''Social Identity'' has been de fined. Development efforts should make people aware of their social id entity as it exists in their mind and the historical forces which are responsible for that identity and its dysfunctional effects. The paper recommends that change-agents for development should facilitate the p oor and oppressed, to be empowered for managing a change in their soci al identity. It also highlights how voluntary organisations are better positioned as compared to the government agencies in facilitating the poor in their developmental efforts.