NGOs and Organizational Change: Discourse, Reporting, and Learning

Description

The organizational dynamics of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have become increasingly complex as they have evolved from small local groups into sophisticated multinational organizations with global networks. Alnoor Ebrahim's study analyses the organizational evolution of NGOs as a result of their increased profile as bilateral partners in delivering aid. Focusing on the relationships between NGOs and their international network of funders, it examines not only the tensions created by the reporting requirement of funders, but also the strategies of resistance employed by NGOs. Ebrahim shows that systems of reporting, monitoring, and learning play essential roles in shaping not only what NGOs do but, more importantly, how they think about what they do. The book combines original case studies and research with an extensive review of literature. It draws from multiple fields including organizational behaviour, social and critical theory, civil society studies, and environmental and natural resource management.

Alnoor Ebrahim is Associate Professor in the School of Public and International Affairs at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). He is also founding Co-Director of the Institute for Governance and Accountabilities, based near Washington, D.C.

'Alnoor Ebrahim has written a fine study of the multilayered and interdependent relationships between NGOs and their funders that sheds new light on this complex terrain. His book makes an important contribution to the NGO debate.' Michael Edwards, Director, Governance and Civil Society, The Ford Foundation 'This book clears a lot of debris from the superficial received wisdom about Southern NGOs. It looks deeply into how and why organizations learn, or fail to learn, and how they manage donor relationships which aim to support, but too often restrict and constrain. NGOs and Organizational Change contains valuable and sometimes disturbing insights into the real life of Southern NGOs - for managers, students and supporters alike.' Ian Smillie, co-author, with John Hailey, Managing for Change: Leadership, Strategy & Management in Asian NGOs 'Alnoor Ebrahim also examines two Indian NGOs, but his imaginative monograph NGOs and Organizational Change: Discourse, Reporting, and Learning focuses more on the interaction between internal management and the international networks of donors. He shows that the traditional view of NGOs depending on donor monies should be revised to reflect the reality that the funders are equally dependent on the NGO information and successes.' Development and Change 'This book's creative critical (re)constructions of global accountabilities are extremely welcome. 'Accountability' is so ascendant in contemporary global governance, perhaps even aspiring to the kind of pivotal position once held by 'sovereignty' in Westphalian world politics. These authors show us how the new discourse can enable rather than frustrate societal betterment.' Professor Jan Aart Scholte, Co-Director, Centre for the Study of Globalisation and Regionalisation, University of Warwick