"The book describes the objectives of sustainable people-centred development and the processes required to achieve it. It focuses on the five factors which according to the author determine effectiveness: suitable organizational design; competent leadership and human resources; appropriate external relationships; mobilisation of high quality finance; and the measurement of performance coupled to 'learning for leverage'. In each area the book explains the capacities needed and how they can be assessed and improved. The advantage of this publication is that it offers the overall context in which assessment and evaluation form an important part. It is less of a practical guide than a substantial collection of insights and ideas to improve NGO performance." (Catalogue Intermediate Technology Publications 2000)