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NGOs' Self-Defeating Quest for Autonomy

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  • BISHWAPRIYA SANYAL

Abstract

The current discussion about nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) rests on the key assumptions that (1) to be effective, NGOs must be autonomous of both state and market institutions, and (2) NGOs' autonomy is best protected and nurtured by avoiding institutional linkages with state and market institutions. This article demonstrates that the quest for autonomy hurts the NGOs' effectiveness instead of strengthening it, particularly in the case of NGOs engaged in poverty-alleviation efforts in developing countries. The article concludes by recommending that NGOs work closely with market and state institutions, cleverly crafting institutional strategies that would provide access to resources controlled by these dominant institutions without jeopardizing NGOs' ability to chart their own destiny.

Suggested Citation

  • Bishwapriya Sanyal, 1997. "NGOs' Self-Defeating Quest for Autonomy," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 554(1), pages 21-32, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:554:y:1997:i:1:p:21-32
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716297554001002
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