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We're too much in 'to do' mode: action research into supporting international NGOs to learn

Smit, Maaike
February 2007

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This paper has been produced by INTRAC (International Training and Research Centre) and PSO (an association of 45 development NGOs in the Netherlands). Using the experience of NGOs in the Netherlands, it is designed to support International NGOs in the process of organisational learning. The key focus is on 'self knowledge' - analysing how your organisation can reflect on its learning processes and capacities. The paper provides a practical exploration of how researchers and participants from organisations can use action research to evaluate organisational learning with a view to improving practice. This paper would be highly relevant for managers, consultants, researchers and other professionals involved with organisational learning within NGOs

Learning from capacity building practice : adapting the 'Most Significant Change' (MSC) approach to evaluate capacity building provision by CABUNGO in Malawi

WRIGLEY, Rebecca
December 2006

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This paper presents the findings of an evaluation initiative of the capacity building services provided by CABUNGO, a local capacity building support provider in Malawi. Using the Most Significant Change approach - a story-based, qualitative and participatory methodology - this pilot exercise attempted to capture the changes resulting from capacity building and to enhance the learning and performance of CABUNGO. Organisational capacity development activities facilitated shifts in knowledge and practices but also in relationships and power dynamics. The paper also highlights advantages and constraints of the MSC approach

Learning leadership development from African cultures : a personal perspective

MALUNGA, Chiku
September 2006

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This PraxisNote supports the notion that effective leadership development strategies in Africa should be rooted in the rich cultural heritage and indigenous social practices. Crucially, the paper adopts an 'ubuntu' perspective, a world-view built around five interrelated principles: sharing and collective ownership of opportunities, responsibilities and challenges; the importance of people and relationships over things; participatory decision making and leadership; patriotism; and reconciliation as a goal of conflict management. The Note looks in some detail at the implications for leadership development of these principles and briefly discusses lessons learned

Building capacity to mainstream HIV/AIDS internally : reflecting on CABUNGO's experience with NGOs in Malawi

CABUNGO
JAMES, Rick
July 2005

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Many community service organisations (CSOs) in Malawi turn a blind eye to the impact of HIV and AIDS in their own organisation. This is partly because, although individual staff are highly aware of HIV and AIDS issues, the internal impact on their own organisation is not very visible yet, and costs are unknown. Most CSOs do not yet fully appreciate the extent of what mainstreaming HIV and AIDS in their organisation means. This brief paper contends that if the programming side of an organisation is going to be effective, it is critical for an organisation to put its own house in order and mainstream HIV and AIDS internally. It presents its case study and describes challenges encountered by 23 participating organisations. Lessons for donors, and for CSOs are elaborated

Organisational learning in NGOs : creating the motive, means and opportunity

BRITTON, Bruce
March 2005

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This paper explores the importance of organisational learning in NGOs. It examines why NGOs need to provide the motive, means and opportunity for organisational learning, and introduces practical examples of how pioneering NGOs are doing this. The Paper recognises that learning is understood differently across cultures and contexts but that most current models are based on a Western understanding. There is therefore a need to engage with capacity building practitioners to explore innovative approaches which are relevant, appropriate and accessible across a wide range of cultures and contexts

Autonomy or dependence? North-south NGO partnerships

BREHM, Vicky Mancuso
July 2004

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This paper describes research undertaken by INTRAC into the relationships between northern and southern NGOs working in partnership. It summarises European and southern perspectives on partnership based on research and three case studies, and draws out the key themes. It concludes with some recommendations, especially around funding, accountability/transparency, and working together as organisations rather than pairings of individuals or departments

Some realities behind the rhetoric of downward accountability

WALLACE, Tina
CHAPMAN, Jennifer
April 2003

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This paper argues that while UK NGOs and donors claim to support downward accountability and promote local ownership and control of development, the policies and procedures that surround the disbursement and accounting for aid money ensure upward accountability dominates. This domination is part of a wider problem of domination by donors of their recipients, which skews the relationship and undermines the potential for these relationships to work well as partnerships

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