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How to Leverage Action Research to Develop Context-specific Capacity Building for Civil Society Organizations

Author

Listed:
  • Weber Peter

    (Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies Program, Department of Consumer and Design Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849-5412, USA)

  • Krawczyk Kelly

    (Department of Political Science, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36832, USA)

  • Ezeonu Brian Ikechukwu

    (Social Impact: Advancing Development Effectiveness, 2300 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA, 22201, USA)

  • Tuggle Felicia

    (Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36832, USA)

Abstract

In recent decades, increased attention has been given to the hierarchical nature and intrinsic power dynamics of CSO capacity building programs. In a global context, international donors tend to design and implement capacity building programs, which then prioritize donors’ objectives and employ Western concepts in the Global South. This research note aims to reframe capacity building around inclusive and equal partnerships centered on civil society leaders who participate in designing and delivering capacity building programs. We propose action research as a process for co-creating contextually appropriate models that enable local ownership for capacity building and thus equip civil society to improve the lives of people in communities. We apply this approach to the Liberian case to develop a process to engage local civil society organizations in developing participatory capacity building programs that address place-based needs in non-Western contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Weber Peter & Krawczyk Kelly & Ezeonu Brian Ikechukwu & Tuggle Felicia, 2024. "How to Leverage Action Research to Develop Context-specific Capacity Building for Civil Society Organizations," Nonprofit Policy Forum, De Gruyter, vol. 15(1), pages 49-69, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:nonpfo:v:15:y:2024:i:1:p:49-69:n:4
    DOI: 10.1515/npf-2022-0041
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Deborah Eade, 2007. "Capacity building: who builds whose capacity?," Development in Practice, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 17(4-5), pages 630-639.
    2. Kablan P. Kacou & Lavagnon A. Ika & Lauchlan T. Munro, 2022. "Fifty years of capacity building: Taking stock and moving research forward," Public Administration & Development, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 42(4), pages 215-232, October.
    3. Rachel Hayman, 2016. "Unpacking civil society sustainability: looking back, broader, deeper, forward," Development in Practice, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 26(5), pages 670-680, July.
    4. Derick W. Brinkerhoff & Derick W. Brinkerhoff & Peter J. Morgan, 2010. "Capacity and capacity development: Coping with complexity," Public Administration & Development, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 30(1), pages 2-10, February.
    5. Kempe Hope, 2011. "Investing in capacity development: towards an implementation framework," Policy Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 32(1), pages 59-72.
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