OUR VALUES
Our unique approach to every project that we deliver for our clients, as well as our own research and communications, is based on three key underlying values:
1. Development is about “us” not “them”. Development involves real people who act rationally in the situations they (we) find themselves (ourselves) in and with the information they (we) possess. Under this guiding principle, our research and analysis always aims to draw on rigorous data and real, on the ground evidence and experience from the countries – especially the poorest – where we have lived and worked – whether Kenya, China or the UK. We use this lens as a key tool to think critically and carefully about each problem our clients bring to us and find new innovative solutions.


2. In development, aid is only one answer among many; aid is no more a panacea to economic and social problems in poor and middle-income countries than government or philanthropic handouts are to solving problems in richer economies. For instance, an African business person may benefit more from one change in trade duties by China or the UK than a decade of aid. Through our work, we aim to change public thinking on aid in development. It is one tool in the box, complemented very well, for example, by foreign direct investment, cooperative partnerships for skill sharing, even our own personal actions to conserve the environment, and more.
The first value is that development involves “real people” who act rationally in the situations they (we) find themselves (ourselves) in and with the information they (we) possess. To deliver on all our projects, we draw on rigorous data and real, on the ground evidence and experience from the countries – especially the poorest – where we have lived and worked – whether Kenya, China or the UK. We use these as tools to think critically and carefully about each problem our clients bring to us and come up with new innovative solutions.

3. Diversity is a huge strength; this strength is exhibited by DR staff and experts as they actively seek to frame and gather constrasting views, perspectives, and frameworks to find optimal solutions. It is this mosaic of opinions and opportunities that inform our work output, and give our clients the best results.
Our three core values ignite the spark in us everyday to think critically yet practically, and authentically “reimagine” the way we see and act in our ever-changing world.
Join us on our journey to maximise positive impact, cultivate sustainable development and reduce global poverty today.
