Case Study: Rethinking Community Engagement in the Global Southeast

What if the key to development isn’t learning more—but unlearning first? In this episode, we explore how rural communities in underdeveloped nations can shape their own futures by moving beyond Western-imposed models of engagement. Professor Anne Gregory, shares insights from her research in rural Indonesia, where micro-hydro powerplants are transforming villages, and explains how a new approach to participatory communication is empowering communities to take charge of their development. Listen For7:15 Why Top-Down Strategies Fail Without Community Input9:35 The Importance of Local Partnerships in Community Engagement14:51 The Problem with Western KPIs in Southeast Asian Communities19:26 The True Meaning of Empowerment in Development Work24:46 Answer to Last Episode’s Question from Guest Michelle Baty, PhD  Guest: Anne Gregory, Ph.D., BA, FRSA, HonFCIPR, Huddersfield UniversityUniversity Website page | Email | X | LinkedIn  Rate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies WebsiteAre you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSend us a note about this episode. We'll reply and thank you on a future episodeSupport the show