INSTITUTE OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS TAIWAN The Institute of Cultural Affairs is celebrating its 35th year in Taiwan. A not-for-profit organization, one of 30 members of ICA International headquartered in Montreal, its first focus in the 70's was in local community development. At that time, ICA was facilitating Human development Projects all around the world. Our intent was to demonstrate that local people had the capability to do their own development. All of these project communities used a common participatory format for their development process. We helped community leaders build a plan for their development, then lived in the communities, in some cases for several years, to aid in implementation

The ICA is a private, not-for-profit, organization concerned with the human factor in world development. We facilitate positive change in communities, organizations and individual lives by helping people find their own solutions to problems and the means to implement them. We discover what is useful and look for relationships beyond current recognized limits. We integrate approaches which make transformation practical, appropriate and accessible. We operate as partners in change, learning with our client groups and help others learn how to do our process. Finally we operate with an open spirit enabling ourselves and others to move to simpler, more effective ways of thinking.

The ICA uses highly participatory techniques to foster creative thinking, consensus-based decision-making and team building. Its methods produce ownership, create clear goals, open lines of communication, broaden perspectives and motivate people to adapt to their changing environment while honoring the cultural traditions and diversity present in any group.

We are a network of learners sharing our diverse and many practical experiences to enhance service offerings to our clients. Our many years of organizational and community experience world-wide have contributed to our capacity to serve.

ORGANIZATIONAL TRANSFORMATION In many organizations and businesses old approaches are working less effectively. Change is slow because of old practices and styles that have been in use a long time have worked reasonably well in the past. Every organization is unique. Our approach is to begin where each organization is, responding to the current need in tension with the desired future. We use foundational participatory methods to help the leadership team develop a culture inclusive of stakeholders, market environment and the company's unfolding possibilities. We work closely in cooperation and consultation with those designated to lead the organization.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES Most leaders are not fully prepared for the responsibilities thrust upon them. Specialized skills may lead to a promising person being promoted to a higher position. ICA helps bridge individual gaps which can prevent a potential leader from being outstanding. This is a very person-specific process. It is best initiated with several members of a leadership team individually as well as in a team configuration. We systematically create and sustain an environment of learning and action.

(8862) 2871-3150
ICA TAIWAN
3FL, LN 5, #12, Tien Mou West Rd.
Taipei, Taiwan, ROC 111