This paper examines in what way isomorphism caused by western donors influences the effectiveness of non-governmental organizations in Africa. As about 40% of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa live below the poverty line it is interesting to know if African NGOs work effectively.
To answer the above mentioned question first the terms NGO and aid delivery system are clarified in chapter 2.1. Thereon, characteristics of African NGOs will be derived and the term effectiveness will be defined in chapter 2.2 and 2.3 before the institutional theory will be introduced in chapter 3. The focus will lay on the three types of isomorphism as well as on explaining an organizational field. Finally in chapter 4 the theoretical concept of institutional theory and the model to measure effectiveness will be applied to African NGOs.
For that institutional theory as well as the conceptualizations of
effectiveness, goal attainment, resource acquisition and reputation, are applied to find out the influence of isomorphism on the management, program, environment and partnership domain of NGOs. It is concluded that without donors many NGOs could not exist. Nevertheless NGOs became local managers of foreign aid money, not managers of local African development processes and are too much influenced by donors.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Trend of homogenization
- Introducing the aid delivery system, African non-governmental organizations and the term effectiveness
- Aid delivery system
- African non-governmental organizations
- Three conceptualizations of effectiveness
- Institutional theory
- Types of isomorphism
- Organizational field
- Effectiveness of isomorphism in African non-governmental organizations
- Management domain
- Program domain
- Environment domain
- Partnership domain
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines how isomorphism caused by Western donors influences the effectiveness of non-governmental organizations in Africa. The paper focuses on the impact of isomorphism on the management, program, environment, and partnership domains of NGOs. It investigates whether the influence of donors leads to more effective outcomes for African NGOs, considering the significant poverty levels in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- The influence of Western donors on African NGOs
- The concept of isomorphism and its impact on organizational structures and practices
- The effectiveness of NGOs in Africa, particularly in relation to poverty alleviation and development
- The role of institutional theory in understanding organizational behavior
- The impact of the aid delivery system on the effectiveness of NGOs
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Trend of homogenization: This chapter introduces the concept of isomorphism, explaining how organizations become more alike due to factors like political influence, legitimacy, and imitation. It highlights the prevalence of isomorphism in NGOs, particularly in projects, strategies, and governance structures, caused by the international aid system.
- Introducing the aid delivery system, African non-governmental organizations and the term effectiveness: This chapter defines NGOs and the aid delivery system, outlining the key actors involved (donors, INGOs, intermediate NGOs, and beneficiaries). It explores the characteristics of African NGOs, their organizational structures, and the working conditions they face. The chapter also defines the concept of effectiveness, examining different conceptualizations of this term.
- Institutional theory: This chapter delves into institutional theory, focusing on the three types of isomorphism (coercive, mimetic, and normative) and the concept of an organizational field. It provides a theoretical framework for understanding the influence of external pressures on organizational behavior.
- Effectiveness of isomorphism in African non-governmental organizations: This chapter applies the theoretical framework of institutional theory and the model to measure effectiveness to African NGOs. It examines the impact of isomorphism on the management, program, environment, and partnership domains of NGOs, analyzing the effectiveness of donor-driven practices.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper explores the influence of Western donors on the effectiveness of African NGOs. Key concepts include isomorphism, institutional theory, organizational field, aid delivery system, effectiveness, poverty alleviation, development, and the role of NGOs in Africa.
- Quote paper
- Stefanie Brandl (Author), 2015, In what way does isomorphism caused by western donors influence effectiveness of non-governmental organizations in Africa?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/322150
