Corporations investing in Latin America are facing problems including opposition from indigenous communities and environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs)1, and the activities of guerrillas and drug cartels2 that are making it difficult for them to operate. Collaborative alliances are seen as a strategy that organizations can use to deal with the turbulence and complexity of their environments3. Strategic bridging has proved to be effective to approach collaboration in sensitive areas of operation. The main conclusions are: (a) the complex environment in which corporations operates in Latin America requires collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve common goals of sustainable development; (b) indigenous communities have the potential to collaborate with MNCs; however, they need certain level of education and training; and (c) NGOs possess the necessary expertise to act as a bridge, their participation is essential to explore opportunities of collaboration between indigenous communities and MNCs.

Keywords:
sustainable development, indigenous community, collaboration, university, vredenburg, government, operation, international institute, spe 74412, social responsibility and development
Subjects:
Sustainability/Social Responsibility, Professionalism, Training, and Education, Social responsibility and development
Copyright 2002, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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