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| Version | User | Scope of changes |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 12 2009, 10:57 AM EDT | KristinaLundborg | 386 words added |
| Jun 12 2009, 10:56 AM EDT | KristinaLundborg |
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NGO Networks & NGO Networking
Today, an increasing number of NGOs organise themselves in networks and/or are networking at local, national, regional and international levels. This can be explained by a situation in the world where issues of interests interlink. As tools of information and communication technologies have advanced, networks and collaboration among NGO actors with similar interests are not only possible, but also less complicated to set up and facilitate. On the other hand, networks may not be entirely uncomplicated organisms as they include a variety of actors with different expectations and possibilities/intentions to contribute to the network. Thus, in order to maintain sustainability and efficiency, extra efforts need to be put both on building sufficient trust and social capital within the network and on the development of suitable structures for management and governance of the network. It is furthermore important that NGOs joining the networks in advance has done a costs/benefits analysis to determine whether or not network participation will meet their particular needs[1].
This concept paper will look firstly at what a network is and what the characteristics of an efficient network might be said to be. It will then move on to network formation and the specifics of network leadership. After that some space will be dedicated to the quite specific demands placed on networks in fragile environments and a discussion about the benefits and risks involved in networking in general. The paper will also look at capacity building within networks and specific observations with regards to funding and donor relations. Finally a list of resources and further readings on NGO networking will be provided.
What is a network?
Even though one should refrain from generalising about what signifies a network, there are a few common characteristics, which appear to be generally applied. Networks are created for very different reasons and entail various structures depending on the goal(s) intended to be achieved within the network. Networks can include either formal or informal structures and vary in member contribution and benefits[2].
Definition
The definition proposed for this concept paper (i.e. networks operating in the NGO sector) takes on a broad approach and is taken from Taschereau and Bogler (2006):
Today, an increasing number of NGOs organise themselves in networks and/or are networking at local, national, regional and international levels. This can be explained by a situation in the world where issues of interests interlink. As tools of information and communication technologies have advanced, networks and collaboration among NGO actors with similar interests are not only possible, but also less complicated to set up and facilitate. On the other hand, networks may not be entirely uncomplicated organisms as they include a variety of actors with different expectations and possibilities/intentions to contribute to the network. Thus, in order to maintain sustainability and efficiency, extra efforts need to be put both on building sufficient trust and social capital within the network and on the development of suitable structures for management and governance of the network. It is furthermore important that NGOs joining the networks in advance has done a costs/benefits analysis to determine whether or not network participation will meet their particular needs[1].
This concept paper will look firstly at what a network is and what the characteristics of an efficient network might be said to be. It will then move on to network formation and the specifics of network leadership. After that some space will be dedicated to the quite specific demands placed on networks in fragile environments and a discussion about the benefits and risks involved in networking in general. The paper will also look at capacity building within networks and specific observations with regards to funding and donor relations. Finally a list of resources and further readings on NGO networking will be provided.
What is a network?
Even though one should refrain from generalising about what signifies a network, there are a few common characteristics, which appear to be generally applied. Networks are created for very different reasons and entail various structures depending on the goal(s) intended to be achieved within the network. Networks can include either formal or informal structures and vary in member contribution and benefits[2].
Definition
The definition proposed for this concept paper (i.e. networks operating in the NGO sector) takes on a broad approach and is taken from Taschereau and Bogler (2006):
