ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the origins of adverse or unrealistic expectations and considers how partnerships between corporations, government agencies and civil society can contribute to mutual understanding and more realistic expectations. It looks at the role of partnerships in managing the expectations of benefit. Four key measures that help build trust and mutual understanding needed for more realistic expectations are discussed, namely: consideration of community dynamics and history, investment in community liaison capacity, enabling community participation, and enhancement of social capital. An understanding of the different groups and the dynamics between them is an essential first step to putting community expectations into perspective. One of the linchpins for creating mutual trust and the basis for more realistic expectations is the community liaison capacity within field operations. Social capital also helps to explain the apparent paradox of how in some indigenous societies, where traditional values, norms and culture are well preserved, the allocation and distribution of project benefits can be so divisive.
