How VOI Projects Turn Corporates into True Givers

In today’s world, a company’s success is about more than just profits. It’s about trust. This is where the idea of a “social license to operate” comes in. It’s not an official document but the community’s acceptance of your business. Without it, even the most profitable ventures can face backlash, delays, or worse — get shut down.

At VOI, we believe building this trust starts with giving, not taking or assuming what communities need. But how does this look in practice?

1. VOI Projects: Working in Three Phases to Build Peace

The VOI methodology follows a structured, scientific approach to help businesses engage communities and foster lasting peace. Companies, through their own staff or hired consultants, implement the VOI projects directly in the communities, ensuring the community itself is the main decision-maker at every step. Here’s how it works:

Phase One: Inception and Baseline Creation:

This first phase introduces the project to the community and focuses on building trust. It involves gathering key data to establish a baseline through community-defined indicators. These indicators reflect the community’s priorities in areas such as social cohesion, economic development, and peace. The community — ordinary members, not just leaders — takes the lead in identifying what matters most. This forms the foundation for later phases, where progress will be monitored based on the goals they set for themselves.

Phase Two: The VOI Exercises:

The heart of the VoI project lies in these exercises, where community members come together to find consensus on the interventions that will benefit everyone. They engage in structured discussions, imagining what would help the entire community, without focusing on personal identities or divisions. By the end of this phase, two key interventions are identified. These are not imposed solutions — they are developed by the community itself, ensuring the process is collaborative and empowering.

Phase Three: Interventions and Legacy:

In this phase, the two community-defined interventions are implemented. Businesses help facilitate this by providing resources and support, but the community remains at the center of the action. The interventions could be anything from infrastructure improvements to social programs, based on what the community agreed on during Phase Two. The goal here is to create lasting change that the community owns, ensuring they have the tools and support to continue building peace long after the project ends.

2. Proactively Reducing Risks in Fragile Communities

Working in regions with social or economic challenges can be risky. Communities might face internal conflicts, distrust of external businesses, or a lack of resources. But when companies implement VOI projects, they move from being perceived as part of the problem to becoming part of the solution, to becoming part of the community.

For example, imagine two neighboring communities with long-standing social or economic tensions. When a company engages through VOI, it doesn’t take sides. Instead, it facilitates dialogue, collaboration, and shared goals between the communities. This proactive involvement diffuses potential conflicts, minimizes operational risks, and builds a foundation of trust that allows the business to operate more smoothly.

3. The Power of Giving

Let’s circle back to the idea of giving. Adam Grant’s theory of givers and takers shows us that those who give — without expecting immediate returns — will, over time, gain much more. This principle works perfectly with VOI projects.

By engaging in genuine, long-term initiatives that uplift communities, companies may not see instant financial returns. But the impact is undeniable. They’ll build strong relationships, reduce conflicts, and create a positive reputation that carries forward. Like Grant’s givers, these companies will receive much more in the long run — support from communities, smoother operations, and a reputation as a trusted partner.

Building a social license to operate isn’t about getting a pass from the community; it’s about earning their trust and becoming part of the community. VOI projects help companies do just that, transforming them into true givers that drive change. By investing in the right way, you’re not just ensuring the community’s future — you’re securing your own.