Hands in the Pockets of Mercurial Donors
- 3 April 2012
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly
- Vol. 42 (3), 584-602
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0899764012439629
Abstract
The NGO–donor relationship is especially volatile. NGOs in developing countries heavily rely on foreign donor funding and donor dominance is evident. This article explores the relationship at times when donors revise funding priorities and partner NGOs try to adapt. The article draws on qualitative research of multiple observations to study the decisions of four NGOs in response to several shifts in donor funding. The analysis reveals variation in NGO responses to such shifts: suspend the relationship, reach common ground, automatically execute the donor’s interests, and voluntarily and deliberately adapt to the situation. Building on Hirschman’s typology, four modes of NGOs’ response are identified: exit, voice, loyalty, and, a newly proposed mode, adjustment. Additional interpretation of NGOs’ responses and possible implications for NGO management are discussed.Keywords
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