"Many resource-strapped developing country governments seek international aid, but when that assistance is channeled through domestic civil society, it can threaten their political control. As a result, in the last two decades, 39 of the world’s 153 low- and middle-income countries have adopted la
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ws restricting the inflow of foreign aid to domestically operating nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Governments recognize that such laws harm their international reputations for supporting democracy and may invite donor punishment in terms of aid reductions. Yet, they perceive foreign aid to NGOs as supporting political opponents and threatening their grip on power. In the aftermath of competitive electoral victories, governments often take new legal steps to limit these groups’ funding. We test this argument on an original dataset of laws detailing the regulation of foreign aid inflows to domestically operating NGOs in 153 low- and middle-income countries for the period 1993–2012. Using an event history approach, we find that foreign aid flows are associated with an increased risk of restrictive law adoption; a log unit increase in foreign aid raises the probability of adoption by 6.7%. This risk is exacerbated after the holding of competitive elections: the interaction of foreign aid and competitive elections increases the probability of adoption by 11%." (Abstract)
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"This article offers an explanation for the limited uses of participatory communication in development by taking an institutionalist perspective that examines prevalent notions about communication and organizational uses in international aid institutions. The argument is that institutional goals and
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dynamics determine the use of disciplinary and theoretical approaches. The selection of specific communication approaches is not primarily based on their analytical or normative value, but rather, on institutional factors and expectations. Institutional dynamics undercut the potential contributions of participatory communication in three ways. First, bureaucratic requirements favor the use of informational models over participatory approaches to communication. Standard institutional procedures inside development agencies, donors and governments perpetuate understandings and uses of communication as a set of technical skills to disseminate messages. Second, the weak status of communication as a field of study and practice in development organizations undermine the prospects for expanding the understanding of communication that do not fit prevalent institutional expectations. As long as technical experts in public health or other fields expect communication to be ‘the art of messaging,’ communication staff lacks autonomy to make decisions and incorporate participatory approaches. Third, the institutional predominance of a technical mindset also limits the uses of participation thinking. The prioritization of technical perspectives decouples ‘development’ programs from local processes of participation and change." (Abstract)
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"This book is written for managers of NGO and community organisations. It aims to help them to think critically about what kinds of information they, their organisations, their staff, and their project partners need. It discusses how they can access such information, manage it, and communicate it in
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the most effective and equitable way. The approach it describes is illustrated with case-studies from Oxfam's experience and other sources." (Oxfam Publishing catalogue 2003)
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"The book reviews the types of social organisation with which NGOs might consider working, and the provision of training in a variety of skills and activities, for the people involved and for their organisation. The particular importance of using a capacity-building approach in emergency situations
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is emphasized." (Catalogue Oxfam 2000)
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"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
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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)
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