University Elective course

NGO Management
Dr. Gautam Patil , Assistant Professor, Faculty of
Social Work Parul University
Topics Covered:
● NGOs: definition, Concept and Objectives
● Characteristics
● Classification of NGOs
● Evolution Of NGOs
Learning Objectives
● After completing this unit, students will be familiar with:
● The relevance of an NGO and the rationale behind its
formation;
● Definitions, characteristics and classification of NGOs;
● Evolution of NGOs along various development frameworks,
and the different approaches towards it; and
● The growing role of NGOs in developing countries
Learning Outcome

● Understand the significance of NGOs and the rationale behind

their formation.
● Define NGOs and identify their characteristics and
classifications.
● Trace the evolution of NGOs within various development
frameworks.
● Evaluate the growing role of NGOs in developing countries.
 Topic-1
NGOs: Relevance And Rationale
What comes to mind when you hear the word NGO?

What is the full form of NGO?

Introduction:
NGOs are organizations formed by people to fulfill the needs of
their community. They combine private structure and public
purpose, offering flexibility and a connection to citizens. NGOs
play a critical role in delivering services, empowering the
disadvantaged, and promoting community ties.
Functions of NGOs:

● Deliver vital human services (e.g., health, education)

● Empower the disadvantaged
● Express artistic, cultural, and religious impulses
● Build community ties
● Mobilize individual initiative for the common good
 Forming an NGO
Collectives vs. Organizations:
● Collectives: Groups formed for a shared interest, often short-term.
● Organizations: Structured groups that implement ideas and create
sustained change.
● NGOs: Not-for-profit organizations formed from collectives to serve
society.
Registration:
NGOs are usually registered under specific laws, giving them legal status
and recognition.
Benefits of Forming an Organization
Socio-political Entity:
Provides legitimacy, social, and legal status. Helps in resource
mobilization.
Organizational Systems and Structure:
Establishes procedures, maintains credibility, and promotes
accountability and transparency.
Direction for Future:
Defines vision, mission, and strategy, aiding in resource alignment and
sustainability.
Autonomy, Sustainability, and Institutionalization
Autonomy and Independence:
Organizations enable objective functioning and systematic decision-
making.
Sustainability Mechanisms:
Formal organizations adopt mechanisms to ensure long-term
sustainability.
Institutionalization:
Organizations allow causes to be sustained and institutionalized,
ensuring continuity beyond the original group.
Introduction to NGO Definitions
○ The term NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) was first
used in 1945 with the UN Charter.
○ Initially, NGOs were recognized for their consultative role
with the United Nations.
○ February 27, 1950: The term International NGOs (INGOs)
was defined by the UN's Economic and Social Council
(ECOSOC) as "any international organization that is not
bound by an international treaty."
World Bank's Definition

● Defined NGOs as "groups and institutions that

are entirely or largely independent of
governments."
● Characterized primarily by humanitarian or
cooperative objectives, rather than commercial.
Other Definitions of NGOs
○ An organization of individuals who believe in basic social
principles and work to develop communities.
○ A social development organization assisting in the
empowerment of people.
○ A group working independently of external control to bring
about desirable change in a community or situation.
○ An independent, democratic, non-sectarian people's
organization working for the empowerment of marginalized
groups.
 Nomenclature and Diversity of Terms
Despite their importance, NGOs are known by various names,
including:
● Voluntary organizations
● Voluntary associations
● Third sector
● Non-profit sector
● Independent sector
● Civil society
 Characteristics of NGOs
Voluntary Nature:
● Distinguishes NGOs from government/statutory agencies in
democratic societies.
● Formation: NGOs are formed voluntarily and are non-statutory.
● Unpaid Work: Includes voluntary, unpaid work by board
members and possibly by members/beneficiaries.
● Note: Not all NGOs are entirely voluntary or largely dependent on
voluntary efforts.
Independence
● Controlled by those who form them or by a board of
management.
● Governance: Managed within the laws that govern the
organization.
● Terminology: Terms like ‘Board(s) of Management,’
‘trustee(s),’ ‘director(s)’ are used in different NGOs based on
their constitutions and legal framework.
Not-for-Profit

● NGOs are not formed for personal profit or gain.

● Revenue: May engage in revenue-generating activities, but
profits are not distributed to shareholders or members.
● Objective: Revenues are used solely to pursue the NGO’s aims.
Not Self-Serving

● Aims to improve the circumstances and prospects of

disadvantaged individuals.
● Action: Engages in direct or indirect actions to support those
unable to realize their potential or rights in society.
● Distinction: Focuses on the well-being of society as a whole,
distinguishing NGOs from other self-serving organizations.
 Classification of NGOs

● NGOs are diverse and can be classified based on various criteria.

● Understanding these classifications helps in recognizing their
roles, functions, and impact.
● NGOs have been variously classified on the basis of different criteria.
- According to the nature of the institution
- According to the level of operations
- As per their geographical location
- As per their orientation
- As per their strategy of intervention
- As per their nature of functions
- As per size
Classification by Nature of Institution

● NGOs can be grouped based on their foundational structure and

goals.
● This classification highlights the core purpose and operational
approach of different NGOs.
● According to the nature of institution, NGOs can be categorised
into four categories
● Voluntary Organisations: They pursue a social initiative driven by
a commitment to shared values
● People’s Organisations: They represent their members’ interests,
have member accountable leadership and are highly self-reliant,
● Public Service Contractors: They function as market-oriented,
non-profit organisations for the purpose of serving the public;
● Hybrid Government/Non-Government Organisations: They are
the creations of the government that serve as instruments of
government policy.
Voluntary Organizations

● Driven by a commitment to shared values.

● Focus on social initiatives and community welfare.

● Examples: Grassroots community groups, local charities.

● Characteristics: Non-profit, value-driven, community-focused.

 People’s Organizations

● Represent the interests of their members.

● Leadership is accountable to members.

● Highly self-reliant, often funded by members' contributions.

● Examples: Trade unions, cooperatives.

● Characteristics: Member-based, self-reliant, advocacy-focused.

 Public Service Contractors

● Operate as market-oriented, non-profit organizations.

● Provide public services on behalf of the government or other entities.

● Examples: NGOs running healthcare programs, educational services.

● Characteristics: Service-oriented, contract-based, often government-

funded.
Hybrid Government/Non-Government Organizations

● Created by the government to serve as instruments of government

policy.
● Often operate with a mix of public and private funding.
● Examples: Government-initiated welfare programs, public-private
partnerships.
● Characteristics: Government-affiliated, policy-driven, public
service-focused.
 Classification by Level of Operations

● NGOs can also be classified based on the geographical and

operational scope.

● This classification helps in understanding the reach and impact of

different NGOs.
 Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)

● Arise from people's own initiatives.

● Often grassroots organizations focused on local issues.
● Examples: Local sports clubs, neighborhood associations, women's
groups.
● Characteristics: Community-driven, locally focused, often small-
scale.
 Citywide Organizations

● Operate at the city level, involving multiple communities or groups.

● May be focused on specific issues like poverty, education, or business.

● Examples: City chambers of commerce, coalitions of business groups.

● Characteristics: City-focused, coalition-based, multi-issue.

 National NGOs

● Operate across an entire country.

● Often involved in large-scale projects or advocacy.
● Examples: National Red Cross Societies, National Child Welfare
Organizations.
● Characteristics: Countrywide reach, large-scale operations,
advocacy and service-focused.
 International NGOs

● Operate across multiple countries or regions.

● Engage in funding local projects, implementing programs, or global
advocacy.
● Examples: Oxfam, Doctors Without Borders.
● Characteristics: Global reach, diverse operations, often focus on
international issues.
 Classification by Geographical Location

● NGOs are classified based on the geographical scope of their

operations.
● This classification helps in understanding the reach and impact of
NGOs at different levels.
 International NGOs
Definition: NGOs that operate in multiple countries, often with a global
mission.
Examples: Amnesty International, Oxfam, Médecins Sans Frontières.
Impact: These organizations influence global policies and provide
cross-border aid and support.
 Single Country NGOs
Definition: NGOs that operate within the borders of one country,
focusing on local or national issues.
Examples: Smile Foundation (India), Red Cross (USA).
Impact: These NGOs address country-specific challenges and work
closely with local communities.
Classification by Orientation

NGOs are also classified based on their operational approach

and mission.
Charitable Orientation

Definition: NGOs involved in top-down efforts, often providing aid

like food, clothing, medicine, and relief during disasters.

Examples: Red Crescent, CARE International.

Impact: These NGOs address immediate needs and provide

essential services to vulnerable populations.
 Service Orientation

Definition: NGOs offering services such as healthcare, education,

and family planning, designed by the NGO with community
participation.

Examples: BRAC (Bangladesh), PATH (USA).

Impact: These NGOs improve access to essential services,

contributing to long-term development.
 Participatory Orientation

Definition: NGOs involving local communities in project

implementation, where locals contribute resources like cash, tools,
labor, etc.

Examples: SEWA (India), Community Health Projects.

Impact: These NGOs empower communities by involving them in

decision-making and project execution.
 Empowering Orientation
Definition: NGOs helping marginalized groups understand the socio-
political factors affecting their lives, and strengthening their self-
awareness and control.

Examples: Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), Grameen

Bank.

Impact: These NGOs foster self-reliance and advocacy among

Classification by Strategy of Intervention

NGOs are classified based on the strategies they use to address

issues and implement projects.
 Single Sectoral Approach

Definition: NGOs working in a single sector, such as health,

education, or sanitation.

Examples: Water.org (focuses on water and sanitation), Teach For

India (education).

Impact: These NGOs achieve depth in a specific area, becoming

specialists in their chosen field.
Multi-Sectoral Approach

Definition: NGOs addressing multiple sectors, such as health,

education, and economic development.

Examples: CARE International, Save the Children.

Impact: These NGOs provide comprehensive solutions by

addressing interconnected issues.
 Homogeneous Clientele Approach

Definition: NGOs working with specific, often marginalized, groups

such as women, tribal populations, or the homeless.

Examples: Women’s rights organizations, Tribal development

NGOs.

Impact: These NGOs tailor their interventions to the unique needs of

specific groups.
 Heterogeneous Clientele Approach

Definition: NGOs addressing diverse groups, often with different

programs or the same program across varied demographics.

Examples: Oxfam, which addresses multiple issues across different

populations.

Impact: These NGOs reach a broader audience, adapting their

strategies to different needs and contexts.
 Classification of NGOs by Nature of Functions
Programme Implementation NGOs

Definition:

● These are field-based organizations that directly engage with communities to address specific issues and
implement various programs.

Key Characteristics:

● Work directly with the community, taking up issues and executing programs.
● Represent community members in negotiations with the government and other bodies.
● Often act as pressure groups defending the interests of specific socio-economic strata, such as workers' unions or
landless farmers' organizations.

Ex- Workers’ unions. Landless farmers’ organizations advocating for agrarian reforms.
 Support to Field-Based Organizations
● These NGOs provide broader support to grassroots community groups, helping them
take up issues and implement programs effectively.
● Offer a range of support services including information dissemination, research,
technical support, and organizational development.
● Help in managing community assets such as dispensaries, wells, and community
centers.
● Operate at district, national, or even broader levels to support local organizations.

Examples:
● NGOs offering technical support in water management or organizational development.
● Organizations that promote self-help initiatives and manage common community
 Networking NGOs

● These NGOs focus on advocacy, public education, and the coordination of

collective action, particularly in areas like women’s rights and environmental
issues.
● Facilitate collaboration among various organizations to strengthen advocacy
efforts.
● Increase the impact of social and environmental movements by uniting diverse
groups under common goals.
Examples:
● Women’s rights networks.
● Environmental advocacy coalitions.
 Association NGOs
● Organizations where membership is based on specific criteria, and which
pursue a common goal or interest on behalf of their members.
● Members are registered and screened according to criteria set by the
organization.
● Actively represent the interests of their members, often focusing on
specific common goals like those pursued by cooperative societies.
● Increasingly, community-based organizations are being registered under
this category.

Examples: Cooperative societies. Community-based organizations

representing local interests.
Policy Advocacy NGOs

● NGOs that focus on identifying unaddressed issues and advocating for

public attention, often playing a key role in protecting human rights and
promoting social, political, and environmental change.
● Engage in advocacy to raise awareness about social, political,
environmental, and ethnic issues.
● Provide a platform for social movements, giving voice to marginalized
or underserved groups.
● Often operate as part of the civil society sector, functioning as a critical
social safety valve.
Examples: Human rights organizations, Environmental advocacy groups.
 Classification of NGOs According to Their Size
Small-Sized NGOs
● These NGOs have a small number of full-time staff and focus on localized
outreach, often relying on volunteers and local resources.
● Typically have 2-3 full-time staff members, with additional volunteer support.
● Operate with a limited budget and focus on outreach in a small number of
villages or hamlets.
● Funding is usually based on local resources and informal receipts from
external sources.
● Examples: Local community initiatives with a grassroots approach to
development.
 Small-Sized NGOs
● These NGOs have a small number of full-time staff and focus on
localized outreach, often relying on volunteers and local resources.
● Typically have 2-3 full-time staff members, with additional volunteer
support.
● Operate with a limited budget and focus on outreach in a small number
of villages or hamlets.
● Funding is usually based on local resources and informal receipts from
external sources.
● Examples:Local community initiatives with a grassroots approach to
development.
 Large-Sized NGOs
● NGOs with extensive staff and resources, often operating across multiple
states or countries, and implementing large-scale programs.
● Employ over 100 full-time staff members.
● Operate with a substantial budget, ranging from 1,700 to 8,600 USD
annually, sourced from various national and international grants.
● Coverage extends across multiple states or even nationally, with
autonomous state-level projects or branches.
Examples:
● Large-scale national or international NGOs with broad operational reach.
Evolution of NGOs Along Different Developmental
Frameworks and Approaches

Introduction

● NGOs are often associated with development practice rather than

theory.
● Understanding NGOs within broader development theories
provides critical insights.
● This presentation explores how NGOs are viewed within different
developmental approaches.
Overview of Development Theories

● Modernization
● Dependency
● Institutionalism
● Neoliberalism
● Alternative Development
● Post-development
 Modernization Theory

Main Idea: Development is seen as a transition from pre-capitalist to

modern capitalist societies.
Focus: Economic growth, industrialization, and cultural change.
Role of NGOs: Limited mention of NGOs; focus is on state-led
development.
Critique: Seen as ethnocentric, imposing Western values on
developing countries
 Dependency Theory

Main Idea: Development as a process shaped by historical

exploitation and ongoing economic subordination.
Focus: The relationship between developed (core) and developing
(peripheral) nations.
Role of NGOs: Social movements are seen as crucial for challenging
dependency and promoting liberation.
Critique: Emphasizes structural inequalities but may overlook local
agency.
 Institutionalism

Main Idea: Development depends on creating optimal structural

relationships and economic incentives.
Focus: The role of institutions (state, market, and NGOs) in fostering
development.
Role of NGOs: NGOs are key institutional actors with potential
advantages in service delivery and advocacy.
Critique: May overemphasize the role of formal institutions,
neglecting informal networks.
Neoliberalism

Main Idea: Market mechanisms are central to unlocking

development potential, with minimal state intervention.
Focus: Privatization, deregulation, and global trade.
Role of NGOs: Seen as efficient agents for delivering services and
promoting democratization.
Critique: Can lead to inequalities and undermine public services.
 Alternative Development

Main Idea: Development should be participatory, gender-sensitive, and

rooted in local contexts.
Focus: Empowerment, grassroots movements, and sustainable practices.
Role of NGOs: Central actors due to their proximity to marginalized
communities and ability to challenge mainstream models.
Critique: Risk of romanticizing grassroots movements and overlooking
larger structural issues.
 Post-development

Main Idea: Development as a Western construct; calls for abandoning

the conventional development model.
Focus: Critique of the concept of development itself, promoting
indigenous knowledge and local autonomy.
Role of NGOs: Sometimes seen as agents of cultural imperialism;
however, local movements are valued.
Critique: May offer a negative view of development without
proposing viable alternatives.
Comparative Analysis of Development Theories

Modernization vs. Dependency: State-led growth vs. resistance to

global inequalities.
Institutionalism vs. Neo-liberalism: Structured development vs.
market-driven approaches.
Alternative Development vs. Post-development: Grassroots
empowerment vs. critique of development.
 Critiques of NGOs in Development

Role of NGOs in Third World: Sometimes criticized as agents of

the First World, enforcing external agendas.

Resistance to Modernization: NGOs often challenge state-led

development that ignores local needs.

Balancing Act: NGOs must navigate between supporting

development and respecting local contexts.
 Evolution of NGO Approaches

Traditional NGOs: Focused on service delivery and charity.

Advocacy NGOs: Shift towards rights-based approaches and policy

advocacy.

Social Movement NGOs: Emphasize grassroots mobilization and

systemic change.

Professionalized NGOs: Operate with formal structures and

Five Main Approaches to Understanding Development
NGOs

Introduction:

● NGOs play a crucial role in development, influenced by different

approaches.
● Understanding these approaches helps us grasp the diverse
functions of NGOs.
● We’ll explore five key approaches to understanding development
Overview of Approaches

Introduction to the five approaches:

● Democratisation
● Privatisation
● Developmental
● Social Transformation
● Charity
 NGOs as ‘Democratisation’

● NGOs represent citizen action in public spaces.

● They include informal grassroots groups and professionalized
agencies.
● Their main role is to deepen democracy by enhancing participation
and giving citizens a voice in policy-making.

Example: Local advocacy groups that influence policy at the community

or national level.
NGOs as ‘Privatisation’

● NGOs’ strength lies in their private, non-governmental nature.

● They can collaborate with businesses as private, non-profit actors.
● Often contracted by governments to deliver services, especially
during the Structural Adjustment Policies (SAPs) of the 1980s and
1990s.
Example: NGOs partnering with businesses to provide education or
health services in underserved areas.
NGOs as ‘Developmental’

● NGOs are seen as part of the broader development industry.

● They often act as extensions of bilateral, multilateral, and private
donors.
● Their primary role is to carry developmental ideas into
communities and act as agents of modernization.
Example: NGOs implementing projects funded by international
donors in rural development or health sectors.
NGOs as ‘Social Transformation’

● NGOs are vehicles for developing alternative ideas about progress

and change.
● They challenge existing policy orthodoxies and are part of broader
social movements.
● Their goal is to address issues of poverty and inequality by
promoting systemic change.
Example: NGOs advocating for social justice reforms or
environmental protection.
NGOs as ‘Charity’

● NGOs are key actors in the international system of charitable

giving.
● This approach is rooted in notions of religious charity and
humanitarian aid.
● Activities often include child sponsorships, emergency relief, and
basic needs provision.
Example: NGOs providing disaster relief or running child sponsorship
programs.
Comparative Analysis

Democratisation vs. Privatisation:

● Citizen action vs. collaboration with business/government.
Developmental vs. Social Transformation:
● Implementing donor-driven projects vs. challenging systemic
issues.
Charity:
● Focus on immediate relief vs. long-term change.
Summary
● Introduction to NGOs: Explored the concept of Non-Governmental
Organizations (NGOs) as a third sector focused on social welfare
without a profit motive.
● Conceptual Clarity: Provided definitions, characteristics, and
classification of NGOs.
● Development Paradigms: Discussed various paradigms and how
they perceive NGOs differently—positively, negatively, or neutrally.
● Challenges and Growth: Analyzed the underdevelopment of NGOs
in developing countries and examined their growth trajectory,
evolution, and importance in society.
 References/Readings

1. Tandon, R., & Mohanty, R. (2002). Civil Society and Governance. Delhi:
Samaskriti.
2. Tandon, R. (2002). Voluntary Actions, Civil Society and State. Delhi:
Mosaic Books.
3. PRIA & Society for Socio-Economic Studies and Services, & John
Hopkins University. (2003, September). Exploring the Non-Profit Sectors
in India.
4. PRIA. (2000). Defining the Sector in India: Voluntary, Civil, or Non-
Profit.
5. Hilhorst, D. (2003). The Real World of NGOs: Discourses, Diversity, and
Thank You