| Capacity building facilitates effective and functional community development. It involves working within the context of a community to help its members determine the causes of economic, social, political, cultural, and environmental barriers, and then assists them to overcome these barriers so that they are able to survive independently and free from oppression. Change agents at nongovernmental organizations often assist with such efforts. Since their work has real-world implications, it is imperative that it be effective and be beneficial to community members.;The theory of simulating benevolence conceptualizes a collection of change agent behaviors that hinder the effectiveness of capacity building. When simulating benevolence, change agents undertake activities that are not in the best interest of community members. Instead, activities satisfy the need for activity, involvement, and excitement. Simulating benevolence is a three-stage process: (1) cornering the market (i.e., acquiring the environment); (2) carrying out the obligation (i.e., the duty-bound activities); and (3) blaming (i.e., placing responsibility of unsuccessful outcomes outward). There are also four properties that cut across all stages. Change agents typecast and act as though they can help others, while others are downtrodden and need assistance ( typecasting); work takes place in an environment filled with challenge, crisis, excitement, and corollary indulgences in the midst of the hardships of others (thrill seeking); change agents create artificial solidarity with beneficiaries (fellowshipping); and legitimize behaviors on an organizational level (onboarding).;This study was conducted using classic grounded theory (Glaser, 1978, 1992, 2001, 2004; Glaser & Strauss, 1967). Grounded theory is a research methodology that provides a systematic procedure to conceptualize data. The emphasis is on the origination of theory based on discoveries systematically unearthed throughout the process. The core variable that emerges conceptualizes behaviors that are relevant, meaningful, and problematic for those involved. The result of a grounded theory study---an understanding and explanation of what is happening and relevant---is very powerful as it allows for the understanding of the complexity of a system, is reflective of patterns and relationships within that system, and is accessible, understandable, and meaningful to both community members and the academic community. |
