NGOs: Internet and Networking

Jihene Abkhar
Mariem Ben Romdhane
 Outline
1
The Structure and
Function of NGOs Conclusion
Networks

1 2 3 4
Networks and Problems of
the Need to networking
Share
Information
Introduction
 Networks and the Need to Share Information

◇ Globalisation rose to the surface as a new social

phenomenon affecting not only states but also
NGOs.

◇ the 20th century witnessed 3 generations of

NGOs.
◇ The first generation during the1950s:
– INGOs were mainly charity relief organisations
– to deliver welfare services especially in during natural
disasters. e.g. The Red Cross.

◇ The second generation INGOs during the 1960s

– to promote local self-reliance
– to provide immediate assistance

◇ Since the 1980s, a third generation:

– become larger, multi-layered with complex systems
– based upon funds from rich countries, but work in favour of
the poor countries.
◇ INGOs acquired an important role in the international scene.

◇ No longer tied to just one field.

◇ They are involved in humanitarian aid, sustainable

development and human rights.

◇ A network is a communication devise or a mechanism that

links people or organizations that share some common value
and/or objective.
◇ INGOs networks aim at:
• Establishing links between different organizations.

• Facilitating Cooperation between the different types of

NGOs.

• Representing local communities and minorities in formal

talks, especially in the political scene.
The Structure and Function of NGOs Networks
• The goal of NGOs is to acquire a degree of global influence that would
fulfil its developmental mission.

◇ The goal of NGOs is to acquire a degree

of global influence that would fulfil its
developmental mission.
 The different bodies within the network operate simultaneously through a
hierarchical structure of information gathering, information sharing and
fund-raising in order to plan and enact development projects.

 the network allows NGOs to confront challenges relating to financial or

staff shortages.

◇ Globalization trends and the great expansion of internet access have

opened many doors for computer-based cooperation within the network.
However, non-computer-based cooperation between individuals through
lobbying or field work is still an integral and efficient networking strategy.

◇ Advances in communication technologies provide NGOs with cheaper,

faster, and easier cooperation especially in terms of information sharing.
However, problems of limited access to information and compromised
transparency still hamper the developmental mission of NGOs.
 Problems of networking

◇ Limited access to Internet in the LDCs:

• Internet access is growing in poorer nations, yet there is

still a long way to go before the world is completely wired.

• Half of the world’s population does not have access to the

Internet, either through a mobile device or through fixed
line broadband.
Countries with the Lowest Internet Penetration Rate as of
January 2021
◇ The lowest access rates are found in some of the poorest
countries surveyed, such as Burkina Faso (18%), Pakistan
(15%), Uganda (11%) and Ethiopia (8%).

◇ The LDCs are inactive and remain isolated as data

collection is based on traditional channels: Grass Root
Organisations have little to no impact in the network:
Weakens the whole process.
◇ Cracks within the network:
• The Government can interfere with the INGOs work, and
hinders its work.

• Bureaucracy is a barrier for the NGOs => The lengthy

processes and paper work can lead to the postponement of
projects.
• the absence of transparency=> some government resolve to
propagate false reports and official statistics
◇ NGOs with different Agendas:
• In order to receive the funding, the NGOs’ projects must
appeal to the investors.
• Networks can be shattered or come to an end.
• Fierce competition.
• A new hierarchy is established:
• Some NGOs become the sole dominator in the international
scene: who are they actually representing?
• => Kenya president Moi has threatened to de-register NGOs
since they “lack the mandate to lobby – who are they actually
speaking for?” (Onyang’o 2002, personal communication).
The Non-democratic Structure of NGOs’ Networks

◇
NGOs are often criticized as non-democratic institutions that operate
within a centralized structure.

◇
The network can be seen as a hub-and-spokes system, where INGOs
have greater power over intermediary and grassroots organizations.

◇The association of INGOs with donor agencies weakens their

position as advocates and representatives.

◇
Instead of empowering and representing grassroots, INGOs become
self-interested institutions. This directly affects their claims for
advocacy and put their mandates and agendas into question.
 The issue of hierarchy calls for a structural change within the
network:

◇ The need to democratize NGOs networks  this would

increase equality and accountability among the members of
the network.

◇ As the line between the makers and the implementers of

policies is blurred, there is more room for transparent
information flows, increased communication, and most
importantly, more innovative and suitable solutions.

A task-oriented network= enhanced communication more

effective solutions.
CONCLUSION
 Thank You for
Your Attention!
20
 References
◇ International NGOs: networking, information flows and learning. Department of
Information Systems, London School of Economics & Political Science,
Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE, UK.
◇ https://sci-hub.se/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963868
799000293?fbclid=IwAR3BnK_KSFGjI6yhLsn6gd1FPZukKX3gSCzJDuQH5Nz
QTTBybQ86_ak0zzE
◇ https://ourworldindata.org/internet
◇ https://www.statista.com/statistics/725778/countries-with-the-lowest-internet-pen
etration-rate/