Nongovernmental Organizations Leaders Research Articles

NGOs Confront HIV/AIDS in Tanzania: Local Entrepreneurship Initiatives as Instantiations and Adaptations of Neoliberalism’s Global Discourse

ABSTRACT Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have endured as an important response to HIV/AIDS. As nations of eastern and southern Africa currently have the highest adult HIV/AIDS prevalence rates, this study focused on NGOs headquartered in Tanzania. Although communication research on HIV/AIDS NGOs has spanned a variety of cultural contexts, theoretical traditions, and samples, research in nations of Africa has yet to situate these NGOs in a relevant global context. This study integrated discourse analysis and constant comparisons to examine how the discourses of 36 NGO leaders on their local HIV/AIDS initiatives are taking up neoliberalism, a global ideological discourse that valorizes free markets, individualism, and profits. Based on linkages forged between HIV/AIDS and poverty at multiple scales (the nation, rural areas, target groups, families), participants positioned entrepreneurship as a solution for poor clients, namely, a 4-step process of assisting clients with entrepreneurship, several entrepreneurship industries, and positive consequences for clients. The article concludes with a discussion and implications.

A STUDY ON FACTORS INFLUENCING THE EFFICIENCY OF HUMAN RESOURCES IN SELECTIVE NGOS AFTER IMPLEMENTING SHRM PRACTICES

The efficiency of human resources inside certain non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is examined in this study as an outcome of Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM). Through the use of quantitative data analysis on 200 participant responses from different NGOs, this study pinpoints important elements that either support or impede HR efficiency. The study investigates the integration of SHRM strategies such as training, performance management, employee engagement, and leadership development. Findings reveal significant correlations between SHRM practices and improvements in HR performance, adaptability, and satisfaction levels. This research provides a nuanced understanding of SHRM’s role in optimizing human resource outcomes, offering valuable insights for NGO leaders to enhance workforce efficiency.

The Influence of Age on Emotional Intelligence Among NGO Leaders in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

This study investigates how age influences emotional intelligence (EI) among 144 leaders working in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership, as it helps leaders understand and manage their own emotions and those of others. Building on recent research emphasizing the importance of EI in leadership, an attempt was made to explore whether age plays a role in shaping EI levels among NGO leaders. To answer this question, the ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) test was employed to analyze the data in comparing the EI scores of leaders across different age groups based on their age. The results of the analysis revealed significant differences in EI scores among NGO leaders of different ages indicating that older leaders tend to exhibit higher levels of emotional intelligence. This suggests that older leaders may have different emotional skills compared to younger leaders. These findings highlight the importance of considering age-related differences in EI when assessing leadership effectiveness within NGOs. By understanding how age influences EI, organizations can better tailor their leadership development programs to meet the diverse needs of leaders across different age groups. Ultimately, this research contributes to our understanding of the complex interplay between age and emotional intelligence in the context of NGO leadership

How to improve active mobility in São Paulo, Brazil? Survey with leaders of nongovernmental organizations and public and private sector managers

This study aimed to describe a quantitative survey conducted with leaders to investigate effective and feasible actions that can be evaluated in computational models to inform policies to promote active mobility based in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. In 2022, an online survey was conducted during the Health Survey in São Paulo (Physical Activity and Environment study), which is monitored by representatives of nongovernmental organizations and public and private sector managers. A questionnaire was elaborated with three questions with 13 alternative answers about actions to promote walking and/or cycling. Leaders should select up to three alternatives based on their potential regarding: (1) effectiveness; (2) feasibility or ease of implementation; and (3) desire to verify tests in computational models to inform policies. The survey was answered by 18 leaders from 16 institutions, comprising 13 (72%) women and 12 (67%) representatives of the third sector, whose average age was 48 years and all had complete higher education. Reducing the speed of motor vehicles was the most cited option in all three questions. Other actions mentioned refer to controlling the traffic of vehicles in central areas, improving pedestrian safety, reducing the distances between homes and places of employment, conducting educational campaigns, and expanding and enhancing structures such as bicycle lanes and sidewalks. The results are relevant to support evidence-based decision-making in public management and to provide subsidies for the development of computational models with a view to promoting active mobility.

Mahesh Foundation – care for the uncared

Learning outcomes The learning outcomes of this case study are to identify the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in social upliftment of developing countries, understand the functioning of NGOs, understand the challenges faced by the NGOs in day-to-day operations and discuss the probable solutions for the same, appreciate the role of leader and leadership in an NGO, study the working style of NGO leaders, appreciate the importance of having a formal organizational structure for these informal organizations (NGOs) to ensure the sustainability of their ventures and design a sustainable organization structure having a proper succession plan for the NGOs. Case overview/synopsis The case study is about one NGO – Mahesh Foundation – located in a small town named Belagavi, nestled in the state of Karnataka, India. Mahesh Foundation worked towards the upliftment of poor children infected with HIV. Today, fighting against all odds, Mahesh Foundation is a safe shelter home for 45 HIV-infected children in the age group of 6–18 years and has reached more than 2,000 beneficiaries from the time of its inception (2008). In addition, Mahesh Foundation also provides skill-based education to the HIV-infected, slum and underprivileged children. The foundation also supported the livelihood of underprivileged women and till date has supported more than 1,500 needy women. Mr Mahesh Jadhav, the founder member of Mahesh Foundation, has been successful in overcoming different challenges faced by the NGO, may it be the requirement for funds or shelters or social agitation. However, Jadhav was worried about the succession planning of his organisation. Mahesh Foundation, being run as a one-man show, Jadhav was bothered about its sustainability after him. The case study therefore highlights and discusses the importance of having a formal organization structure for such informal organizations, thereby having a proper succession plan to ensure their perpetual existence. Complexity academic level This case study is best taught as part of a graduate and postgraduate Business Administration (BBA/MBA) programme, Management Development Programme or Executive MBA Programme. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 11: Strategy.

Characterizing Non-governmental Organizations And Local Government Collaborations In Urban Forest Management Across Canada.

Urban forests are being threatened by rapid urbanization, biodiversity crises, and climate variability. In response, governments are increasingly collaborating with the public for solutions to these mounting challenges. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are dominant players in these collaborations because of their ability to supplement governments' expertize and resources and bring social and ecological issues to the forefront of civic agendas. Despite their growing visibility in urban forest management, there is a lack of attention directed to the forms and range of NGO relationships. This study focuses on addressing this gap and examining collaborations between local governments and NGOs in urban forest programming by characterizing their components including mandates, relationship ties, accountability, resource exchange, and power dynamics. We collected data using semi-structured interviews with three groups: leaders of NGOs, municipal government officials in an urban forest or public works departments, and urban-forest experts who have observed their interactions. The participants represent 32 individuals in nine Canadian cities. Our results indicate that NGO-government collaborations have relational ties and accountability processes that are both formal and informal in nature. Formality in collaborations is often associated with the amount of funding, proximity to government, or size of the NGO. In addition, our findings suggest that NGOs present an opportunity for local governments to supplement their resources and capacity. While the strength and formality of collaborations may be a product of NGO size and budgets, public servants should not hesitate to engage smaller, grassroots NGOs to realize their public service mandates. Characterizing the components of these governance processes provides a benchmark for practitioners participating in similar public-civic interactions and arms them with the knowledge to navigate collaborative decision-making.

Radiating impacts: understanding secondary traumatic stress among frontline healthcare workers in the opioid crisis

ABSTRACT Background Nonmedical opioid misuse has reached epidemic proportions. In this study, we sought to understand the challenges that healthcare providers experience in providing care to pregnant and postpartum women reporting nonmedical opioid use. Methods Two methodological tools were used to understand better the experiences of frontline workers working with OUD patients in Indiana, including the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale and a qualitative feedback form about what they wish their colleagues understood about their jobs and what resources they need to do their jobs. Results In total, twenty-three individuals participated in the survey research. Quantitative results indicate that 37.53% of the surveyed frontline healthcare workers experience vicarious trauma. Qualitative results suggest that a source of Secondary Traumatic Stress is a lack of preparedness to treat illness amidst an unequal distribution of societal resources. Conclusion Though these results are drawn from a small sample of healthcare workers, they are aligned with documented secondary traumatic stress rates among other healthcare professionals. Using these data, healthcare organizations, non-governmental organization leaders, policymakers, and members of advocacy and activist boards can identify mechanisms for improving the quality of work and care in OUD intervention and prevention efforts.

Intersectoral Interaction: Assessment by the Non-State Sector

The article explores the problem of implementing intersectoral interaction between the state and the third sector, analyzed the main forms of interaction between the state and non-profit organizations. The main directions of expanding intersectoral cooperation and measures to support the development of the third sector by the state are considered. The study conducted the analysis of statistical data illustrating the dynamics of changes in the number of socially oriented non-profit organizations over the past decade. Data on the amount of financial support for socially oriented non-profit organizations at the federal level are presented. The results of a sociological study of the problems of implementation of intersectoral interaction in the city of Irkutsk are presented. The leaders of non-governmental organizations expressed their opinion on the legal framework for intersectoral interaction, types and forms of support, and assessed the effectiveness of state support measures for the third sector. The study found both difficulties and positive effects of intersectoral interaction. A number of proposals have been formulated to overcome problems in the interaction of authorities and structures of the third sector.

Career and life development intervention for non-engaged youth: Evaluating the Hong Kong Benchmarks (Community) Pilot Program.

In our study, aimed at examining the effectiveness and impact of the Hong Kong Benchmarks (Community) Pilot Program, a career and life development (CLD) intervention program targeting non-engaged youth (NEY) in Hong Kong, we employed a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design to compare changes in career-related competencies between a pilot group (N = 289) and a comparison group (N = 160). We also conducted five focus group interviews with the leaders of nongovernmental organizations, social workers, NEY, parents, and employers to explore the program's impacts on the CLD service provisions. Our quantitative results indicate that the piloting group showed greater improvement in two career-related competencies-youth career development competency and career and life development hope-than the comparison group. Meanwhile, our qualitative results suggest both the benefits and difficulties experienced by stakeholders in the program. The findings thus provide preliminary evidence of the Hong Kong Benchmarks (Community) Pilot Program's positive impacts on NEY and other important stakeholders. The implications of expanding the existing program and theorizing the community-based benchmark approach are also discussed.

The usefulness of big data in creating innovations. The example of Google Trends

A huge amount of data is collected by search engines. According to estimates, the Google search engine, which is dominant on the market, receives billions of search requests daily. Of particular note is that a large part of the collected data is available through the Google Trends service. As a consequence, various types of data can be used by enterprises for their development but they often do not take advantage of this opportunity. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to prove the suitability of the big data concept for creating and implementing product innovations, using the example of Google Trends. Discovering human needs and searching for answers to them is not only the domain of entrepreneurs, therefore this study may have a fairly broad practical applications. By adopting general assumptions, i.e. ones that do not refer to specific products or industries, the author has shown that the presented path may be recreated by both entrepreneurs and creators of political programs, as well as leaders of non-governmental organizations who need to implement innovations. The results revealed the selection of specific ways of entering queries in Google Trends and certain periods of analysis which are the most useful for creating innovations. Descriptive statistics (such as median) clearly show that the results typed in Google Trends are better when taken from a user perspective and can be used to create innovations. Despite substantial differences, the results do not allow for the conclusion that these differences were statistically significant. Thus, preliminary data supports the hypothesis, but more research is needed.

Transparência nas dispensas de licitação em governo locais em situações de emergência

ABSTRACT Using the organizational paradox perspective, the study discusses how a context of national emergency modifies the propensity for transparency in tender waivers in municipalities. The empirical analysis indicates that there are tensions in the transparency of the public procurement process and that the public control literature should consider emergency and normal contexts differently. Emergency situations, in which budgetary funds are urgently allocated to emergency contracts, require greater transparency and control to reduce the risk of misuse of funds. Paradoxically, there is a reduction in transparency and a weakening of social control. The level of transparency of local governments under the same legislation varies according to the political support and understanding of the authorities in different legislatures and mandates, and between periods of emergency and normality. It is desirable for supervisory agencies and civil society to be aware of possible regressions in transparency practices in times of emergency, even for municipalities that are examples of transparency in times of normality. A content analysis was conducted on 1,528 tender waivers in 32 small municipalities in São Paulo State from 2019 to 2020. The level of transparency of the tenders was compared before and during the first year of the pandemic. Interviews were then conducted with public officials with experience in transparency practices in these municipalities, as well as with journalists and leaders of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to validate the analysis on the transparency of the procurement process during the pandemic. Emergency situations can alter practices related to fiscal transparency in local governments when national authorities relax procurement rules. The study shows that the COVID-19 pandemic emergency led to reduced transparency in the procurement of supplies in some municipalities, particularly in contracts for supplies and services to cope with the pandemic crisis.

The power of co-optation: The party, political capital, and the development of grassroots non-governmental organizations

In recent years, a growing number of publications has focused on the state–non-governmental organization relationship in China. However, most of these studies regard the state as “the government” and neglect the role of the Communist Party of China, a key player, in shaping the state–non-governmental organization relationship, as well as the difference between the government and the Communist Party of China. As the ruling party, the Communist Party of China exercises a tremendous influence over people's daily life. Current studies indicate that the government tends to use a strategy of categorization to control non-governmental organizations. What remains unclear, however, is whether the Party has a different impact on non-governmental organizations compared to the government and how it influences the relationship between the government and these organizations. This paper examines the emerging role of the Party since the policy implementation of “Strengthening the Party Organization in NGOs” in 2015, which requires all non-governmental organizations to establish Communist Party of China branch units. Two grassroots environmental non-governmental organizations were selected for the comparative case study of this paper, to examine the different mechanisms whereby the Party impacts such organizations. The findings indicate that only the Party is able to co-opt the leaders of non-governmental organizations and give them political credentials and capital that help to expand these organizations’ social networks and create a hospitable regulative environment for growth. The findings suggest that a close tie with the state does not necessarily mean a loss of autonomy. This study is by no means a comprehensive discussion of the impact of the Party on non-governmental organizations, and further research is needed to study the actual impact of this relationship on public governance.

What Underlies State Government Performance in Scaling Family Planning Programming? A Study of The Challenge Initiative State Partnerships in Nigeria.

Relatively few studies rigorously examine the factors associated with health systems strengthening and scaling of interventions at subnational government levels. We aim to examine how The Challenge Initiative (TCI) coaches subnational (state government) actors to scale proven family planning and adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health approaches rapidly and sustainably through public health systems to respond to unmet need among the urban poor. This mixed-methods comparative case study draws on 32 semistructured interviews with subnational government leaders and managers, nongovernmental organization leaders, and TCI Nigeria staff, triangulated with project records and government health management information system (HMIS) data. Adapting the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we contrast experience across 2 higher-performing states and 1 lower-performing state (identified through HMIS data and selected health systems strengthening criteria from 13 states) to identify modifiable factors linked with successful adoption and implementation of interventions and note lessons for supporting scale-up. Informants reported that several TCI strategies overlapping with CFIR were critical to states' successful adoption and sustainment of interventions, most prominently external champions' contributions and strengthened state planning and coordination, especially in higher-performing states. Government stakeholders institutionalized new interventions through their annual operational plans. Higher-performing states incorporated mutually reinforcing interventions (including service delivery, demand generation, and advocacy). Although informants generally expressed confidence that newly introduced service delivery interventions would be sustained beyond donor support, they had concerns about government financing of demand-side social and behavior change work. As political and managerial factors, even more than technical factors, were most linked with successful adoption and scale-up, these processes and systems should be assessed and prioritized from the start. Government leaders, TCI coaches, and other stakeholders can use these findings to shape similar initiatives to sustainably scale social service interventions.

Nongovernmental organizations' leaders' attitude toward social innovation: The validation of a research tool

AbstractThis paper presents the results of a validation study of an inventory to measure the attitude of leaders of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) toward social innovation related to solving local social problems. The study was conducted using a cross‐validation model and an innovative item cluster analysis method to analyze the data, assessing factor structure, the internal consistency of the test, criterion validity, and stability over time. The results indicate a one‐factor structure for the phenomenon and satisfactory psychometric properties for the inventory. The tool makes possible a study of NGO leaders' attitudes toward social innovation to facilitate the design of educational programs related to solving social problems through social innovation.

Social Entrepreneurship as a Mechanism to Correct Institutional Shortcomings

We conceptually investigate opportunities for social entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations (NPOs) through an Austrian economics lens. To do so we provide an overview of (1) Austrian economics and its role in entrepreneurship, (2) certain institutional shortcomings, and (3) institutional signals and opportunities for social entrepreneurs as leaders of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). We posit that NGOs have the ability to address institutional shortcomings and address societal needs. As such, recognizing these opportunities allows inspired social entrepreneurs and their NGOs to fill certain societal needs.

АСПЕКТИ МАРКЕТИНГОВОГО МЕНЕДЖМЕНТУ ГРОМАДСЬКИХ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЙ В КОНТЕКСТІ ДИСЦИПЛІНИ «ІСТОРІЇ ЕКОНОМІКИ ТА ЕКОНОМІЧНОЇ ДУМКИ»

The article considers the issue of ensuring the effectiveness of domestic non-governmental organizations in terms of theoretical and practical components of management and marketing. The evolution of the principles of the "third sector" in space of "History of Economics and Economic Thought" is traced. The stages and main tendencies of civil society development in Ukraine since the 90s of the XX century to up to date are systematized. The factors of ensuring the effective operation of public organizations are analyzed - strategic planning, communication channels, project management, fundraiser, financial sustainability indicators, monitoring and transparency. Peculiarities of marketing in the field of charitable institutes and volunteering are considered. The method of managing changes in non-governmental associations of Ukraine to the conditions of martial law has been implemented. New trends in the management of public organizations are identified: adaptability of strategic planning; mobility in resource management; maximum transparency; effective internal and external feedback; digitalization; creation of networks of non-governmental organizations; introduction of project fundraising. It is generalized that in the conditions of war leaders of non-governmental organizations combine several roles: 1) a marketer who forms the requests of NGOs and makes proposals to potential donors; 2) project manager, who administers the progress of team tasks and deadlines; 3) PR-professional; 4) a strategist who adapts the capabilities of the NGO to the donor's requests; 5) a sales specialist who, as it can be said, sells NGO to the donor; 5) a financial manager who efficiently and transparently uses the resources involved; 6) a leader-manager who harmoniously combines professional and soft-skills.

STK Liderlerini Örgütsel ve Sosyal Psikoloji ile Karşılaştırmak Çevrenin Korunmasında Sivil Toplumun Rolü

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have an increasing role in the management and workings of society. For the past three decades, academic interest in NGOs has intensified in tandem with the increase of their number with regards to their workings, maintenance, net-works, and characteristics. In this study, I will explore the characteristics of leadership in civil society from the perspective of organizational and social psychology. My hypothesis is that we can distinguish between the leadership of specialized NGOs in the areas of organizational cul-ture perception, emotional intelligence patterns, resilience and leadership style. A central ques-tion to this study remains whether leaders of NGOs who work in the sector of environmental protection show divergence in organizational and social psychological dimensions from the leaders of NGOs that work in the economic or cultural sphere. Sixty-one NGOs participated in this survey, representing six different scope of activity profiles. The results show that repre-sentatives of certain profiles show different organizational culture dimensions and values, and display unique emotional intelligence patterns. With regards to the deployment of leadership tools and style, leaders indicated cooperation and persuasion; and in case of resilience, we received on average high scores with leaders of all occupational areas. I also managed to iden-tify the characteristic features of NGOs working in environmental protection, of which above-average, altogether high scores of resilience stand out, besides low levels of self-confidence, self-realization, commitment to partners, interpersonal relationships, and flexibility compared to leaders of other NGOs.

Rural poverty, violence, and power: Rejecting and endorsing gender mainstreaming by food security NGOs in Armenia and Georgia

Abstract Gender mainstreaming (GM) is a strategy to empower women and promote gender equality. Using mixed-methods, this study draws on perspectives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Armenia and Georgia to investigate NGOs’ resistance to, versus embrace of, GM in rural development and agriculture (electronic surveys, 215 NGOs; in-person interviews, 53 NGOs). Applying Bourdieu's theory of field-habitus, and intersectionality as critical praxis, we suggest that NGO leaders' social belonging along with field-related experiences explain how GM is understood and endorsed. In Armenia and Georgia, GM without intersectionality – the critical inclusion of rural women’s empowerment and equality -- enforces a reductionist interpretation of social classifications. Analysis reveals that social belonging of NGO leaders is a determinant for choosing constituents: female NGO leaders include rural women; male leaders, rural men. Field practices are pivotal for formal adoption of GM (e.g. adhering to funders’ requirements, affiliation to international NGOs, engagement in feminist activism). Concurrently, internalization of social power structures grounds NGO leaders' thinking about gender equality. Respondents express three distinct narratives on GM urgency depending upon leaders' gender and organizations' self-reported feminist orientation. First, only female leaders of self-identified feminist NGOs support GM necessity in response to economic and political shocks that reinforce patriarchal dynamics. For feminist NGOs, violence against women intertwines with other rural livelihood threats. Intersectionality as critical praxis guides addressing gender-based rural inequalities. Second, female leaders of non-feminist NGOs employ GM primarily to improve rural households' wellbeing by targeting women in unpaid and new ventures. Rural household vulnerability outweighs gender-based inequality concerns. Third, interviewed male NGO leaders do not identify as feminist. They grudgingly accept GM as funders’ burdensome requirement that, given other rural challenges, overemphasizes women’s equality and engagement. Beyond discussion of “how to do” gender or equality mainstreaming, this study emphasizes agents' identity and orientation.

Power on environmental emotions and behavior

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to reveal indications of effective climate change communication through presenters holding powerful positions. This study aims to achieve this by examining how people perceive emotional campaigns on climate change and to what extent they ultimately perform actions to achieve adequate responses to environmental hazards and protection.Design/methodology/approachThis study measured environmental behavior directly through donations to environmental charities in two experimental conditions (i.e. top-down vs same-level communication). Environmental emotions were measured via pride and guilt levels about their own country’s environmental actions.FindingsPowerful individuals appeal to those people who are usually less driven to behave sustainably, and thus induce guilt regardless of the participant’s environmental identity. Conversely, powerful speakers did not succeed in addressing low identity participants using positive emotions. In fact, high power results in even lower pride levels, indicating a potentially adverse effect of power.Research limitations/implicationsWhile this paper successfully used an organizational leader as a powerful individual, it would be a fruitful avenue to use the experimental framework and examine different presenters (such as politicians, non-governmental organization leaders or scientific experts) who embody environmental advocacy.Practical implicationsThe results on top-down communication are intended to add to the understanding of emotional power in environmental contexts and help policy-makers to foster environmental advocacy using emotion-inducing campaigns.Originality/valueThe study is among the first to examine and elucidate the circumstances under which powerful individuals can encourage pro-environmental behavior. This study provides evidence that power can be a useful tool to appeal to those people who are usually less driven to behave sustainably. However, this paper also found that power does not increase emotions and behavior per se.

Getting Creative with Data: Managing Relationships and Quantitative Proof in an Indian NGO

ABSTRACTWhile many scholars have documented how the pursuit of objective data reshapes relationships, I show how relationships can also affect how people interact with data. The donors and managers of a nongovernmental organization (NGO) in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas were most invested in their relationships with one another. These ties required quantitative data to act as proof that development was happening and money was well spent in the absence of direct observation. In order for numbers to serve this communicative function, the NGO's leaders treated the data produced by development projects as if they were objective representations of reality. However, the NGO's fieldworkers, who produced the data, were invested in ties outside the development community. They relied on their relationships with the NGO's beneficiaries—who were also their friends, neighbors, and kin—to help them survive (socially, emotionally, physically, and financially) in ways that NGO employment could not replace. Far from needing numbers to be objective proof, these relationships required fieldworkers to treat data as flexible and open to interpretation. Beneficiaries used projects in ways that the NGO's leaders did not anticipate or value, and fieldworkers were creative with data production to maintain their ties to both leaders and beneficiaries. [development, data, relationships, NGOs, South Asia]