Community Actions: An Agency Topic for Human Development

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The objective of the study is to unveil the qualities that community actors in the city of Armenia-Quindío-Colombia have and enhance in the exercise of their community action.
 Methodology: The methodological approach of this research is qualitative-interpretative and cross-sectional. The investigation was carried out with eight community actors of an urban commune of the city of Armenia- Quindío-Colombia through semi-structured interviews, which focused on the meaning and significance of their community action. The interviews were conducted, and answers of the participants were analysed through a matrix in Excel.
 Main Findings: The study has identified that human agency is made up of Transparency and commitment, internal qualities in the subjects that allow them to act as community agents, by directing their actions towards a civic exercise and therefore as a contribution to human development.
 Applications of this study: The results of the study can be useful for the analysis of the performance of social actors in various contexts. The study will also be of help for the policymakers at local and national levels, to develop programs that strengthen the social skills of this group, as well as support in work where one wants to analyse the configuration of human agency.
 Novelty/Originality of this study: This research has examined the meaning of Community actions from the perspective of human agency. The originality of this research, when compared to the previous works on the same topic, lies in the identification of the qualities that form the agency in a population group, comprising of a widely diverse group of community actors. Besides, it also provides direction for future research in this area.