Results-Based Management (RBM) aims to enhance accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in the allocation and utilization of resources. In the not-for-profit sector, particularly among non-governmental organizations (NGOs), RBM has been pivotal in ensuring interventions are aligned with organizational goals and community needs, thereby maximizing impact. COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the not-for-profit sector in Zimbabwe by causing unprecedented challenges such as restrictions on movement, supply chain disruptions, and economic downturns. These challenges have necessitated swift and adaptive responses from NGOs, which play a critical role in providing essential services and support to vulnerable populations. This study examines the impact of the pandemic on the implementation of RBM within the not-for-profit sector in Zimbabwe. The study focuses on not-for-profit organizations (NPOs) whose importance in a nation’s development cannot be understated. A concurrent mixed methods approach was employed, using a survey of 190 NPOs, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with NPOs staff. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics with Chi-square test of association, while thematic analysis was done for qualitative data. The findings reveal essential influences of COVID-19 on NPOs' ability to implement RBM, identifying key factors influencing effectiveness during the pandemic, including organizational flexibility, donor support, and communication strategies. Additionally, it highlights the need for strengthened capacities, such as data analysis skills, and potentially adjusted incentive structures to support effective RBM. The study underscores the inherent challenges of RBM during a crisis, including uncertainty, competing priorities, and the potential focus on short-term relief. This research contributes to a greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities for NPOs implementing RBM during a global crisis. The findings offer valuable insights for NPOs, donors, and policymakers to strengthen RBM practices and ensure continued effectiveness in achieving impactful results.
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Chapter 1: Introduction
- Chapter 2: Literature Review
- Chapter 3: Methodology
- Chapter 4: Results and Discussion
- Chapter 5: Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the implementation of Results-Based Management (RBM) within Zimbabwe's not-for-profit sector. The primary objective is to understand how the pandemic affected NPOs' ability to implement RBM and identify key factors influencing effectiveness during this crisis. The research employs a mixed-methods approach combining surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions.
- The impact of COVID-19 on RBM implementation in Zimbabwean NPOs.
- Factors influencing the effectiveness of RBM during the pandemic (e.g., organizational flexibility, donor support, communication strategies).
- The need for capacity strengthening in NPOs to support effective RBM.
- Challenges of RBM during a crisis (uncertainty, competing priorities, short-term relief focus).
- Implications for NPOs, donors, and policymakers to strengthen RBM practices.
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of Results-Based Management (RBM) and its importance in the not-for-profit sector. It highlights the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Zimbabwe's NPOs and establishes the research problem. The chapter lays out the research questions and objectives, outlining the study's scope and the chosen methodology. The introduction sets the stage for a deeper exploration of how the pandemic challenged the effectiveness of RBM within this crucial sector and how NPOs adapted to overcome these unprecedented circumstances. It emphasizes the need for research to understand and improve RBM practices during crises.
Chapter 2: Literature Review: This chapter provides a comprehensive review of existing literature on Results-Based Management (RBM), performance management, and outcome-based approaches. It examines the theoretical frameworks underpinning RBM and explores its application in the not-for-profit sector. The review will likely delve into the challenges and successes of RBM implementation in various contexts, setting the stage for understanding how these theoretical concepts manifested in the Zimbabwean context during the COVID-19 pandemic. The chapter also likely examines the effects of crises, such as pandemics, on organizational performance and management strategies.
Chapter 3: Methodology: This chapter details the research design and methods used in the study. It explains the rationale for using a concurrent mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. A detailed description of the survey administered to 190 NPOs will be provided, including the sampling strategy, instrument design, and data analysis techniques (descriptive and inferential statistics, including the Chi-square test). Furthermore, the chapter will elaborate on the qualitative data collection methods, namely in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, outlining the participant selection, interview guides, and data analysis approaches (thematic analysis). The chapter concludes by justifying the chosen methods and addressing potential limitations of the research design.
Chapter 4: Results and Discussion: This chapter presents the findings of the study, analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data analysis will likely reveal statistical relationships between the impact of COVID-19 and various factors affecting the implementation of RBM. This might include the influence of organizational flexibility, donor support, and communication strategies on the effectiveness of RBM during the pandemic. The qualitative findings, obtained through thematic analysis of interviews and focus groups, will provide rich contextual insights, offering explanations for the quantitative results and exploring the lived experiences of NPO staff during the crisis. The chapter will discuss the key findings, highlighting the implications of the research and relating them to the existing literature reviewed in Chapter 2.
Keywords
Results-Based Management, Performance Management, Outcome-Based Approach, COVID-19 Pandemic, Non-profit Organizations (NPOs), Zimbabwe, Organizational Flexibility, Donor Support, Communication Strategies, Capacity Strengthening, Data Analysis, Crisis Management.
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of this document?
This document is a language preview, intended for academic use, analyzing themes in a structured and professional manner. It includes a title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What does the table of contents cover?
The table of contents lists the following sections: Abstract, Chapter 1: Introduction, Chapter 2: Literature Review, Chapter 3: Methodology, Chapter 4: Results and Discussion, and Chapter 5: Conclusion.
What are the key objectives and themes explored in this study?
The study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the implementation of Results-Based Management (RBM) within Zimbabwe's not-for-profit sector. Key themes include: the impact of COVID-19 on RBM implementation; factors influencing the effectiveness of RBM during the pandemic; the need for capacity strengthening in NPOs; challenges of RBM during a crisis; and implications for NPOs, donors, and policymakers to strengthen RBM practices.
What is Chapter 1 about?
Chapter 1 introduces Results-Based Management (RBM) and its importance in the non-profit sector. It highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Zimbabwe's NPOs, establishes the research problem, and outlines the research questions, objectives, scope, and methodology.
What will I find in Chapter 2?
Chapter 2 is a comprehensive literature review on Results-Based Management (RBM), performance management, and outcome-based approaches. It examines theoretical frameworks underpinning RBM and its application in the not-for-profit sector, and likely the effect of crises such as pandemics on management strategies.
What methodology is used in this study (Chapter 3)?
The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. It includes a survey administered to 190 NPOs and in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Data analysis involves descriptive and inferential statistics (including Chi-square test) and thematic analysis.
What type of results can I expect to see in Chapter 4?
Chapter 4 presents the findings, analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data analysis will likely reveal statistical relationships between the impact of COVID-19 and factors affecting RBM implementation. Qualitative findings provide contextual insights and lived experiences of NPO staff. The chapter will discuss key findings and relate them to the existing literature.
What are the keywords associated with this document?
The keywords are: Results-Based Management, Performance Management, Outcome-Based Approach, COVID-19 Pandemic, Non-profit Organizations (NPOs), Zimbabwe, Organizational Flexibility, Donor Support, Communication Strategies, Capacity Strengthening, Data Analysis, Crisis Management.
- Quote paper
- Wellington Mushayi (Author), 2025, Accountability in Crisis: Evaluating Results-Based Management implementation in Zimbabwe's Not-for-Profit Sector During COVID-19 Pandemic, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1582343
