The role of women's leadership in environmental NGOs' online accountability

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Saraite-Sariene ◽  
Federico Galán-Valdivieso ◽  
Juana Alonso-Cañadas ◽  
Manuela García-Tabuyo
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Female Leadership ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Governmental Organization ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Online Engagement ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Environmental Ngo

PurposeThe role of female managers has been of increasing interest among scholars in recent years, especially regarding sustainability issues. The same could be said about the usefulness of social media in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in demonstrating accountability to their stakeholders and attracting and keeping donors and volunteers. This paper aims to meet both research interests by analyzing to what extent women in top positions can foster stakeholders' engagement via social media.Design/methodology/approachOnline engagement can be proxied using data from social media to develop a measure that summarizes the main actions social media users are able to use in order to show their reactions to social media publications. Facebook data were obtained using proprietary software (Facebook data model) developed by the research team to carry out data massive extraction, processing and exploration.FindingsThe results of the multivariate analysis show that female leadership in both top and environmental-specific positions enhance social media engagement, while a higher percentage of women on the board of directors exert the opposite effect.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is not without limitations. First, this research is focused on a specific type of non-governmental organization (environmental NGO). Second, this study does not include economic variables such as donation income or expense structure. Third, data come only from Facebook as the leading social network.Originality/valueThis paper advances in the scarce knowledge about the role of women and the levels of online engagement (interactive conversations) in NGOs focused on sustainability.

Touring for peace: the role of dual-narrative tours in creating transnational activists

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Maureen Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Attitude Change ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Host Population ◽  
Contact Hypothesis ◽  
Racial Groups ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Peace And Justice

Purpose Scholarship on the contact hypothesis and peacebuilding suggests that contact with marginalized ethnic and racial groups may reduce prejudice and improve opportunities for conflict resolution. Through a study of dual-narrative tours to Israel/Palestine, the purpose of this paper is to address two areas of the debate surrounding this approach to social change. First, past research on the effectiveness of contact-based tourism as a method to change attitudes is inconclusive. Travel to a foreign country has been shown to both improve and worsen tourists’ perceptions of a host population. Second, few scholars have attempted to link contact-based changes in attitudes to activism. Design/methodology/approach Through an analysis of 218 post-tour surveys, this study examines the role of dual-narrative tours in sparking attitude change that may facilitate involvement in peace and justice activism. Surveys were collected from the leading “dual-narrative” tour company in the region, MEJDI. Dual-narrative tours uniquely expose mainstream tourists in Israel/Palestine to Palestinian perspectives that are typically absent from the majority of tours to the region. This case study of dual-narrative tours therefore provides a unique opportunity to address the self-selecting bias, as identified by contact hypothesis and tourism scholars, in order to understand the potential impacts of exposure to marginalized narratives. Findings The findings of this study suggest that while these tours tend to engender increased support for Palestinians over Israelis, their most salient function appears to be the cultivation of empathy for “both sides” of the conflict. Similarly, dual-narrative tours often prompt visitors to understand the conflict to be more complex than they previously thought. In terms of activism, tourists tend to prioritize education-based initiatives in their plans for post-tour political engagement. In addition, a large number of participants articulated commitments to support joint Israeli–Palestinian non-governmental organizations and to try to influence US foreign policy to be more equitable. Originality/value These findings complicate debates within the scholarship on peacebuilding as well as within movements for social justice in Israel/Palestine. While programs that equate Israeli and Palestinian perspectives are often criticized for reinforcing the status quo, dual-narrative tours appear to facilitate nuance and universalism while also shifting tourists toward greater identification with an oppressed population. Together, these findings shed light on the ability of tourism to facilitate positive attitude change about a previously stigmatized racial/ethnic group, as well as the power of contact and exposure to marginalized narratives to inspire peace and justice activism.

Non-profits and the environment in China: struggling to expand their franchise

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Xie ◽  
Yan Meng ◽  
Jie Xiong ◽  
Lu Xu ◽  
Jie Yan
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
Diversification Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Environmental Ngos ◽  
The Past ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Management Perspective ◽  
Environmental Ngo

Purpose Environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs), one of the major forces in environmental protection, have developed rapidly in the past few years, especially in developing countries such as China. This paper aims to reveal how the ENGOs select their focuses, specifically if they only concentrate on one focus or on contexts in which they obtain various focuses and the motivations behind their choosing strategies. Design/methodology/approach The current research interviewed 103 leaders of ENGOs covering every province in mainland China and adopts existing theories of NGOs alongside diversification strategy from a management perspective. Findings The results showed that most Chinese ENGOs now tend to be diversified but face different challenges. This research highlights the importance of ENGOs’ resources and capacities in facing current challenges and suggests directions to improve their diversification strategy. Originality/value This research adds value to the research of environmental NGOs and gives suggestions to environmental NGO practitioners, in particular to those in emerging markets.

The relationship between empowering leadership and volunteers' service capability: intention to share knowledge as mediator

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-235
Author(s):  
Evangelia Siachou ◽  
Panagiotis Gkorezis ◽  
Faith Adeosun
Keyword(s):  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Empowering Leadership ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Service Capability ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between empowering leadership and volunteers' service capability in the context of nongovernmental organizations. In doing so, the mediating role of intention to share knowledge was highlighted.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from volunteers from two non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Greece through a web-survey tool. To test our hypotheses, we used bootstrapping analysis.FindingsOur study provides support for the positive effect of empowering leadership (EL) on volunteers' service capability. In addition, we highlighted volunteers' intention to share their knowledge as an underlying mechanism that explains the above relationship.Originality/valueThe present study highlights the important role of EL in increasing service capability in the context of NGOs. Even more, the mediating role of intention to share knowledge provided new knowledge into why EL affects employees' extra-role behavior and more specifically, service capability.

Digitalization and migration: the role of social media and migrant networks in migration decisions. An exploratory study in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chinedu Obi ◽  
Fabio Bartolini ◽  
Marijke D’Haese
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Information Asymmetry ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Migrant Networks ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Using Data ◽  
And Migration

Purpose This paper aims to explore the connectivity between social media use, access to migrant networks, information asymmetry and migration intentions. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted using data from individuals living in Nigeria and analysed with a generalized structural equation model, which is rare for this kind of research. Findings The authors find a dual mediating role of the social media and the migrant networks in facilitating migration, i.e. reducing the threshold cost required to migrate and introducing a bias in terms of information asymmetry. While social media and access to migrant networks directly increase migration intentions, this changes when incomplete information is provided. People who use social media and their migrant networks for information are more likely to have information about destination countries than information on the transit risk. Social implications The study adds valuable insights for designing awareness campaigns aimed at reducing irregular migration. Originality/value This study contributes to the understanding of the intersection of migration and digitalization

scholarly journals THE PROACTIVE ENGAGEMENT OF OXFAM INTERNATIONAL AS INTERNATIONAL NON- GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION (INGO) TO SOLVE SOMALIA FOOD INSECURITY PROBLEM

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (02) ◽  
pp. 113-153
Author(s):  
Hendra Manurung
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Food Crisis ◽  
Governmental Organization ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Leading Role ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
Local Farmers

Somalia experienced 19 (nineteen) years for food crisis problem since 1992, and reached its peak in 2011. The crisis worsened by long standing conflict in the country combined with climate change, with the result that United Nations declared Somalia to be famine in 2011. The food crisis has driven world�s attention, especially non-governmental organizations concern on humanitarian issues, such as Oxfam International. In 1992, Oxfam International engaged to overcome food crisis and continue sustainable participation in addressing food crisis in 2011. Oxfam International cooperate with the local communities in Somalia by building water sanitation, providing clean water, delivering assistances such as foods, medicines, and also providing cash money. Oxfam International also supports and trains local people, especially farmers in agriculture, so they can produce food. By trained local farmers, it can help produce enough food to feed the population and reduce the possibility of famine in Somalia. The objective of this research is to explain the Oxfam International leading role in doing proactive involvement for humanitarian aids in Africa. The analysis is done based on the role of international non-governmental organization to handling the issue of food security in Somalia. To conclude, Oxfam International has shown meaningful efforts to give long- term impact on solving food insecurity problem in Somalia.

Participation of Iranian non-governmental organizations in health policy-making; barriers and strategies for development

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-56
Author(s):  
Rahim Khodayari-Zarnaq ◽  
Edris Kakemam ◽  
Morteza Arab-Zozani ◽  
Jamal Rasouli ◽  
Mobin Sokhanvar
Keyword(s):  
Health Policy ◽  
Policy Making ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Governmental Organization ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Government

PurposeThe effectiveness of non-governmental organization (NGO) participation in the healthcare sector has been demonstrated globally. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the status of Iranian NGOs’ contribution to health policy-making, the barriers to and strategies for developing their contribution.Design/methodology/approachIn this qualitative study, 25 participants were recruited from health-related NGOs in Tabriz, Iran. Semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted. Furthermore, a set of relevant documents were collected and their contents evaluated. The text of documents and interviews were analyzed using a thematic (deductive–inductive) approach using NVivo software.FindingsMost NGO activity has been in the area of providing services, whereas the least amount of activity has been in the domain of policy-making. Factors that were influential for NGO participation in policy-making were divided into three categories: those related to government, to civil society and within NGOs themselves. The primary barriers to participation in policy-making were related to government and the way that NGOs operated. Recommendations include the production of supportive law, financial aid to NGO and infrastructure that facilitates NGO participation.Practical implicationsFinancial support from the government and legislation of supportive laws could help to realize the potential of NGOs.Originality/valueNo such research has been undertaken before to evaluate what activities health-related NGOs undertake, their contribution in health policy-making and obstacles and facilitators of this contribution. NGOs can play a key role in ensuring accountability, transparency and empower citizens to demand basic health services from government.

Lessons in disaster management as learned from Korean NGOs

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 931-943
Author(s):  
Kyoo-Man Ha
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Management ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
International Perspective ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Specific Goal ◽  
General Goal

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to improve the role of emergent Korean non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in disaster management by comparing general-goal NGOs and specific-goal NGOs, and ultimately goal provide lessons for international NGOs. Design/methodology/approach This study used quantitative research to analyze the issue through an international perspective. The hypothesis drafted was that if general-goal NGOs do not perform as well as specific-goal NGOs under actual conditions, their performance will have international implications. The two types of NGOs were systematically contrasted with reference to their social and political practices or culture through three variables: stakeholders, finance and strategies. Findings The main finding or recommendation is that general-goal NGOs have to be transformed into specific-goal NGOs for effective disaster management, not only in Korea but also in the international community. Originality/value When reflecting that almost no research has dared to look into the topic on the role or the type of disaster management NGOs in Korea, this paper has potential value as a pioneer study.

Non-governmental organizations: strategic management for a competitive world

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 11-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Schwenger ◽  
Thomas Straub ◽  
Stefano Borzillo
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Civil Liberty ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Governmental Organization ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Executive Managers

Purpose – This paper aims to empirically investigate competition within the non-governmental organization (NGO) sector, and presents some strategic approaches to managing it. Porter’s five forces (1980) model was used as a theoretical framework to understand and quantify competition in the NGO sector, as well as to explore the differences between NGOs’ budget sizes. Traditional strategic management often fails to meet NGOs’ needs. While economization is prevalent within the NGO sector, little is known about how NGOs address competition. Design/methodology/approach – An online global survey was conducted between November 2010 and May 2011. Data were collected from 1,211 NGOs that either function as consultants or work in association with the United Nations (UN). The key informants were leaders and executive managers of NGOs. The respondents’ fields of work varied from international advocacy and development (38 per cent), education and research (14 per cent), community and neighborhood (8 per cent), health (8 per cent), environment (8 per cent) and social services (7 per cent) to civil liberty (6 per cent), labor (6 per cent), culture (3 per cent), philanthropy (2 per cent) and religion (1 per cent). Findings – The findings suggest that the NGO sector is becoming increasingly competitive. However, the data suggest that the lower and upper budget classes have different priorities and perceptions. Small NGOs (with budgets <USD250,000 and especially <USD10,000) compete more aggressively for funding, as they have less bargaining power over donors and large foundations, and face stronger competition from social entrepreneurship. This results in income reductions. Large NGOs (with budgets >USD250,000 USD and especially >USD1 million) experience increased pressure for accountability. Research limitations/implications – This research is aimed at a wide range of NGOs. The findings are based on an empirical and open survey that was held among NGOs in association with the UN. Future research should survey NGOs that are not associated with the UN to generalize the results. This may lead to contradictory or more varied results. Practical implications – The findings can help NGOs adapt their strategy to cope more effectively with increasing competition in the sector. Large NGOs seem to prioritize fundraising measures and their positioning (uniqueness) through specialized knowledge. Small NGOs, on the other hand, seem to consider sharing resources, co-operation with other NGOs and co-operation with the private sector slightly more important. To enhance their competitive position, small NGOs are advised to improve their potential by concentrating on developing specific skills that are hard to imitate and to improve their fundraising measures. Finally, large NGOs could benefit from pooling their resources and collaborating with other NGOs and private organizations. Originality/value – NGOs have to pursue their missions under increasing competitive pressure. This paper comprehensively assesses competition, analyzes the various facets thereof and tests these aspects’ relevance to NGOs. It furthermore proposes strategies that are more appropriate for NGOs of different sizes to cope with this competition.

Will their absence make a difference? The role of local volunteer NGOs in home-stay intermediation in Ghana’s Garden City

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esi Akyere Mensah ◽  
Elizabeth Agyeiwaah ◽  
Alexandru O. Dimache
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Garden City ◽  
Volunteer Tourism ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Qualitative Approaches ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
International Volunteer

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in home-stay arrangements in Ghana’s cultural city, Kumasi, and further assess NGO intermediation of home-stay from home-stay operators’ and international volunteer tourists’ perspectives. Design/methodology/approach A mixture of quantitative and qualitative approaches is used to target three main stakeholders of volunteer tourism including international volunteer tourists, home-stay operators, and local NGOs. Findings There are seven major roles played by volunteer NGOs in the home-stay arrangement. However, from operators’ perspective, NGOs may hinder the economic viability of home-stay through inadequate/low payment. Originality/value The study highlights the unexplored brokerage role of NGOs in volunteer tourism in home-stay intermediation and its implications for sustainable tourism.

scholarly journals Digitalization as an Optimization of Interaction Between Public Authorities and Non-Governmental Organizations

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1 SI) ◽  
pp. 130-132
Author(s):  
Marian Tokar
Keyword(s):  
Social Services ◽  
Service Provider ◽  
Information Society ◽  
Public Authorities ◽  
Governmental Organization ◽  
Public Practice ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations

The study focuses on digitalization as a public-administrative innovation, which is introduced into public practice by the mechanisms of the information society and can be involved in public-state processes. The opinion is substantiated that it is a providing component of the whole complex of public-administrative relations. A non-governmental organization can successfully adopt the procedure of the latest technologies and present itself as a service provider of social services, try on the role of mediator/executor of orders of both citizens and public authorities.

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