| Tool | An example “Know your WSI participants” checklist and other sources of information relating to due diligence investigations. |
| Related Key Activities | Analyze WSI participant records and incentives. |
| Questions Addressed | How can the WSI understand the track record of its potential participants to ensure the integrity of the initiative? |
| Purpose | A proper due diligence process will help WSI participants identify potential past unethical behavior by any participant, in order to determine proper next steps and avoid conflicts:
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| Possible Users | WSI initiator, might be a single organization or a small group of organizations that are providing financial support to a WSI or are involved in its development, including donor agencies planning to support a WSI. |
| Level of Effort | From simple checklist to comprehensive background research by an independent party. |
| WSI Phase | 1: Incubation and Initial Analysis, completed in 2: Formalization. |
Due diligence refers to the care a reasonable and prudent party should take before entering into an agreement or transaction with another party — whether they are NGOs, government, or private companies. It involves a systematic collection and analysis of information on how a particular organization is managed or conducts its business. A due diligence investigation reveals whether a potential participant in a WSI commits to professional and ethical business practices, and uncovers the risks and opportunities that come along with involving this participant. A due diligence assessment will be useful for the WSI initiators while scoping prospective participants in order to assess whether that organization is fit to assume a specific role in the WSI.
