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Assignment 3- Individual Research Assignment
World Culture
Jaskirat Singh
Professor-
Ewa Dabrowska-Miciula
October 24, 2023
Photographers Without Borders
Abstract
This report will be focussing on the company, ‘Photographers Without Borders.’ The company
which uses the power of visual storytelling to impose a positive societal impact. This report will
give an in-depth knowledge about the company and the culture they have developed which
have led them to be a global success.
It will also provide a deeper insight about the cultural beliefs, values and norms which will help
portray an identity an image of the leader and the company itself. The Report will also discuss
about the culture that the leaders have created inside the company.
A company’s culture created by the leadership pre-defines the extent of success it will achieve.
This is another aspect that the report will be mentioning in detail; “How the culture has affected
the company’s success and challenge facing capabilities?”
Introduction
Among so many new and improved business models which keep rolling out every now and then,
Nonprofit organizations have also created a name for themselves. Nonprofit organizations
(NPOs) are the organizations that create products or services for the betterment of the
community. These organizations believe that the community needs to be served back in ways
that can improve people’s lives. One of these organizations that we are going to discuss about in
this report is
‘Photographers Without Borders (PWB).’
According to the PWB website, the organization was founded by
Danielle Khan Da Silva
, who is
also the executive director of the company. As per the website, she has worked in many projects
that were targeted towards the betterment of the community. Danielle has worked with
multiple NGOs and travelled more than eighty countries for different projects. Her work was
also awarded with 2018 Muhammad Ali Humanitarian award, 2016 RBC Canadian Women
Entrepreneur awards, and many-many more[ CITATION Pho22 \l 4105 ].
Danielle has her photographs published by National Geographic, The UN, The Economist, and
multiple other globally recognized platforms. As her work tells, she is very passionate about
telling stories using visuals and that is what PWB is built upon-
Visualizing Stories.
According to Dani Da Silva, “
Storytelling helps us visualize and imagine new possibilities. That
way we can manifest new realities.”
PWB uses astonishing photography and videography done by professional and passionate
volunteers and uses those photos and videos to raise awareness about the issues going on in
the third world countries, wildlife and more [ CITATION Boj \l 4105 ]. There are several projects
that PWB
has done for the positive societal impact and some of them are-
WEAVING EMPOWERMENT FOR WOMEN IN RURAL INDIA
This project was based on an 18
th
century business called Maheshwari handlooms and silk. The
business was founded by a women named Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar. It helps empower local
women by providing them fair wages and safe working conditions. The firm’s goal was to raise
consumer awareness about the products that they make, like environmental sustainability.
[ CITATION Pho23 \l 4105 ].
(RE)WEAVING THE CONNECTION TO NATURE, SPIRITS AND DREAMS
This article discusses about an artist and anthropologist, Tatiana Lopez, who works with Sapara.
women in Ecuador. The Sapara people believe in living in harmony and peace with the nature, and
these people were facing land threats. Tatiana’s project, which was supported by PWB depicts the
knowledge that Sapara women have inherited from their ancestors and their land rights fight.
Those brave Indigenous women taught Tatiana how to be patient and reciprocity with nature
[ CITATION Pho231 \l 4105 ].
Note. From [ CITATION Pho23 \l 4105 ]
Note. From [ CITATION Pho231 \l 4105 ]
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Analysis
cultural beliefs, values and norms that define the identity and image of
the leader and their company.
Various companies have different cultural structures based on which they operate and that
defines the identity of its leadership and the company itself. Three main elements that define
the identity and image of the company are:
Beliefs
Cultural beliefs are the beliefs that are learned and shared across groups of people [ CITATION
Sus05 \l 4105 ].
Photographers Without Borders have certain beliefs that they carry with them and spread those
beliefs all over the company. After looking at the company’s website, I have concluded the
following as their beliefs that they base their company on-
Social Responsibility:
The company believes in their capability to achieve their goals and consider their responsibility
as change agents who have a duty to recognize and solve social and environmental issues.
Cultural Sensitivity:
After observing their objectives and achievements, the company seem to have developed a
culturally sensitive environment within their company. PWB is likely to believe in the
significance of representing distinct cultures precisely and accurately.
Advocacy for Marginalized communities:
PWB may believe in advocating for the rights and well-being of underserved communities which
include Indigenous people, People in backward areas, genders which are not treated equally,
etc. The company may perceive their work as giving voice to those who do not have required
platform to be heard.
Norms
Cultural norms are the unwritten rules that can be a behavior, practice, or policy that the culture
views as normal or routine. Some of the cultural beliefs that I believe persist in the company
culture are-
Social Impact:
Their cultural norm revolves around the fact that their work should contribute towards bringing
a difference in the society.
Dedication towards their work:
PWB seems to take their work very seriously and represents their utmost dedication. Their
members are expected to prioritize an uphold the organization’s mission in all their activities.
Empathy and Compassion:
PWB might encourages its members to have an approach which shows a deep connection and
understanding towards communities that they serve and maintain a sense of compassion to
those in need.
Values
Cultural values influence the practices, rituals, social frameworks within a community. They
form the basis for individuals to grasp their position, anticipants, and ethical guidance within
their cultural environment. They play a significant part in impacting the outlooks,
understandings, and engagements among individuals [ CITATION Per23 \l 4105 ].
As their website suggests, the company drives its projects by being strongly committed to their
values, and some of them are [ CITATION Pho \l 4105 ]:
Intentional Impact:
Company believes that cultivating positive and mutually beneficial connections with all their
partners is an essential aspect of their mission. Encouraging cooperation also enhances
responsibility.
Decolonization:
Another of their values is to decolonize everyone’s mindset. Company believes that Systematic
colonialism and oppression still exists and to acknowledge that is the first move towards solving
it.
Protecting the sacred:
PWB believes that protecting land, water, and all other beings is a significant part of their value
system. Not just that, but also the ancient wisdoms and knowledge systems should also be
protected.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Indigeneity:
Company believes in creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment in their company.
Having this as one of their values shows their strong belief in respecting various cultures and
treating everyone right.
Transparency:
Another one of their values which is not mentioned on their website, and I believe should be a
part of it is Transparency. PWB also believes in creating a transparent environment which helps
in open communication, ethical resource management, and demonstrating the extent of the
impact of their work to the public and other stakeholders. For e.g., PWB releases annual reports
to show how successful they have been in achieving their objectives.
Leaders’ contribution in creating a unique corporate culture.
Danielle Da Silva told in an interview, “We have to be leaders. When we come together as a
team, we envision our organization as a thought-leader in this space.” [ CITATION Dan20 \l
4105 ]
An interview given to PBS, tells a lot about Danielle’s personality and the environment that she
created in PWB. Danielle Da Silva’s leadership approach is characterized by being community
centric, focussing on uplifting local voices promoting collaborations. PBW actively engages in
many initiatives that help the local communities also like partnering with Orangutan
Information centre in Sumatra which hires local Indonesians including women. Da Silva’s work
also emphasizes the importance of Indigenous knowledge and traditions.
Moreover, PBW’s core mission centres on making storytelling accessible to communities
involved in sustainable development and Indigenous rights, using the power of narrative to
empower individuals. The organization's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and addressing
historical injustices is reflected in its Code of Ethics. PWB's projects, including rainforest
conservation in Sumatra, contribute to global causes and align with their broader focus on
women, forests, and Indigenous peoples to preserve the natural world [ CITATION Dan20 \l 4105
].
Culture affecting their successes and challenges.
The culture of Photographers Without Borders (PWB) has been very influential in their
successes and challenges. Their culture, characterized by passion, dedication, and a
commitment to using visual storytelling for positive impact, has driven their accomplishments.
PWB's emphasis on global interconnectedness has enabled them to form international
Note. From ([ CITATION Pho \l 4105 ]
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partnerships and address global issues effectively. Their empathetic approach, promoting
connections with communities and individuals in need, has enhanced the impact of their
projects. Additionally, their culture of innovation and creativity has resulted in engaging visual
storytelling.
However, their strong dedication to long-term impact has sometimes presented challenges
related to resource constraints and project sustainability. Balancing advocacy with action and
adapting to evolving global issues are ongoing challenges they navigate.
In summary, PWB's culture has a significant impact in shaping their approach to addressing both
successes and challenges.
Global Mindset and Heighten CQ
Danielle Da Silva and Photographers Without Borders (PWB) embody a global mindset and
elevate Cultural Intelligence (CQ) in several ways. Their international engagement, spanning
over eighty countries, showcases a commitment to understanding diverse cultures. Da Silva's
deep respect for Indigenous knowledge and traditions, especially evident in her work in
Sumatra, underlines a cultural sensitivity that acknowledges and integrates local customs.
PWB's community-centric approach emphasizes the importance of relationships and
empowerment in diverse cultural settings. The organization's Code of Ethics underscores
inclusivity and addresses historical injustices, promoting CQ through amplifying
underrepresented voices. Their global impact, spanning various causes, and the focus on
storytelling for change reflect a profound understanding of different cultural contexts,
highlighting their dedication to CQ in practice.
Conclusion
Danielle Da Silva and her company Photographers Without Borders (PWB) are deeply rooted in a culture
that embodies a global mindset and enhances Cultural Intelligence through various means. They believe
in social responsibility, cultural sensitivity, reflecting their commitment to a diverse and inclusive
approach.
Danielle Da Silva’s leadership has helped PWB to steer through multiple challenges and achieve several
goals. Her leadership is community-centric, emphasizes collaboration and preserve knowledge,
showcasing her high CQ. PWB’s projects contribute to global causes and align with their broader focus on
preserving the natural world through a lens of cultural sensitivity.
Cultural takeaways:
-
Embrace Diversity and prioritize cultural sensitivity- recognizing and respecting diverse
cultural nuances and ensuring accurate representation of distinct cultures.
-
Promote inclusivity- Create a work environment that promotes diversity, equity, and
inclusion, acknowledging and respecting various cultures and ensuring transparency in
your operations for a more inclusive and culturally intelligent work setting.
References
Duric, B. (n.d.).
ON OUR RADAR: PHOTOGRAPHERS WITHOUT BORDERS
. Retrieved from Novella.
Photographers without Borders. (2022, January 10).
DANIELLE KHAN DA SILVA
. Retrieved from
Photographers Without Borders:
https://www.photographerswithoutborders.org/team/daniellekhandasilva
Photographers Without Borders. (2023, September 14).
(RE)WEAVING THE CONNECTION TO
NATURE, SPIRITS AND DREAMS
. Retrieved from Photographers Without Borders:
https://www.photographerswithoutborders.org/online-magazine/reweaving-the-
connection-to-nature
Photographers without borders. (2023, October 16).
WEAVING EMPOWERMENT FOR WOMEN
IN RURAL INDIA
. Retrieved from Photographers Without Borders:
https://www.photographerswithoutborders.org/online-magazine/women-weaving-
futures
Photographers Without Borders. (n.d.).
ABOUT US
. Retrieved from Photographers Without
Borders: https://www.photographerswithoutborders.org/about-pwb
Silva, D. D. (2020, May 26). Storytelling For Change: An Interview With Photographers Without
Borders’ Danielle Da Silva. (K. J. Norton, Interviewer)
Stammler, P. (2023, September 16).
38 Cultural Values Examples
. Retrieved from Helpful
Professor: https://helpfulprofessor.com/cultural-values-examples/
Weller, S. C. (2005).
Cultural Belief
. Retrieved from Science Direct:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/cultural-
belief#:~:text=Introduction-,Cultural%20beliefs%20are%20beliefs%20that%20are
%20learned%20and%20shared%20across,vary%20in%20their%20cultural
%20competence.
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