International Studies

As one of the main actors in transnational civil society, NGOs are increasingly playing a role in addressing regional and global problems that nation-states have been unable to cope with. What are 3 factors that have limited the effectiveness of NGOs?

ANSWER

Factors Affecting Effectiveness of NGOs

Introduction

Over the last two decades, NGOs have become noticeable in international development. NGOs comprise a majority of private organizations and groups whose main focus is to pursue activities that promote the lives and interests of the people, relieve suffering, offer fundamental social services, safeguard the environment, and carry community growth (Batti, 2014). These organizations have operated as non-profit groups that are meant to be politically independent. Even though NGOs are playing a significant role in local and global development, various factors are influencing their effectiveness. This paper will focus on three major factors that have influenced the effectiveness of the NGOs. These include financial stability, lack of trained staff, and unhealthy competition.

Factors Affecting Effectiveness of NGOs

Most NGOs have suffered from a shortage of funds. This is because the goal of NGOs is not only to achieve the project alone but to ensure that they have maintained contact with the beneficiaries as well as ensure the progressive success of their goal (Batti, 2014). Relatively, the NGOs aim to help more communities and individuals depending on their needs. Therefore, to meet these goals, the NGOs will constantly need funds that mostly are acquired from previous donors and supporters. Not having enough financial resources has limited the ability of the NGOs to accomplish their goals.

Lack of trained staff and poor quality training has been a great challenge to NGOs. Most of the workers within the NGOs are volunteers with no experience which makes it challenging for the NGO to accomplish its goal. The newly hired staff lack the needed capabilities to perform effectively. The poor staff performance due to lack of training has led to low motivation, high employee turnover, and reduced organizational performance (Mcloughlin, 2011).

Over the years, there has existed unhealthy competition of NGOs which arise from donors. Ideally, more fundraising by one NGO will influence the effectiveness of another NGOs’ project. Additionally, the growing number of NGOs has led to unhealthy competition among themselves as they try to defeat in accomplishing their goals (Mcloughlin, 2011). This has led to the rivalry which has influenced networking. Rather than working together, they have seen accomplishing goals as a form of competition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, NGOs need to search for new opportunities such as the latest offerings, grants, and funding opportunities. They also need to work together to learn from each other and make networks among themselves. Training and coaching will also be effective in improving their operations. Therefore, these factors can be a source of great strength and effectiveness to the Non-governmental organizations.

References

Batti, R. C. (2014). Challenges facing local NGOs in resource mobilization. Humanities and Social Sciences, 2(3), 57-64.

Mcloughlin, C. (2011). Factors affecting state–non‐governmental organization relations in service provision: Key themes from the literature. Public Administration and Development, 31(4), 240-251.