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Exploring the concept of community: implications for NGO management

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  • de Berry, Jo

Abstract

The concept of ‘community-based action’ is ubiquitous in the current development policy discourse amongst NGOs. This paper presents a critical look at the management issues involved in implementing community-based action. It is shown that community-based action can be implemented by NGOs in two ways; NGOs can either link with pre-existing community-based organisations (CBOs) or can create new community-based organisations. Each involves distinct management challenges. A consideration of these challenges with use of examples, mainly from Uganda, suggests that the way that the concept of community is used in development discourse often ignores the realities of community dynamics. The paper suggests ways in which NGOs can begin to develop a more relevant concept of community with which to work.

Suggested Citation

  • de Berry, Jo, 1999. "Exploring the concept of community: implications for NGO management," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 29100, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
  • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:29100
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    File URL: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/29100/
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Martin de Graaf, 1987. "Context, Constraint or Control? Zimbabwean NGOs and Their Environment," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 5(3), pages 277-301, September.
    2. Lewis, David, 1998. "Bridging the gap?: the parallel universes of the non-profit and non-governmental organisation research traditions and the changing context of voluntary action," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 29089, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    3. Fisher, Julie, 1994. "Is the iron law of oligarchy rusting away in the Third World?," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 22(2), pages 129-143, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ronelle BURGER & Indraneel DASGUPTA & Trudy OWENS, 2015. "Why Pay NGOs to Involve the Community?," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 86(1), pages 7-31, March.
    2. Federica VIGANO & Andrea SALUSTRI, 2015. "Matching profit and Non-profit Needs: How NPOs and Cooperative Contribute to Growth in Time of Crisis. A Quantitative Approach," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 86(1), pages 157-178, March.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • R14 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Land Use Patterns
    • J01 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General - - - Labor Economics: General

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