Unit 5 NGO Structures and Systems

Question 1

5 structural stages of growth (Greiner, 1998)

Answer 1

creativity
direction
delegation
co-ordination
collaboration

Question 2

Common NGO structures

Answer 2

1. Single leader
2. Collective
3. Project organisation
4. Typical hierarchy
5. Team-based hierarchy
6. Matrix org
7. Federation
8. Loosely-coupled organsation (a shamrock org / a network org)

Question 3

The theoretical options for dividing organisations:

Answer 3

1. by function
2. by geography
3. by service / programme
4. by beneficiary sub-group
5. by funding source

Question 4

Principles for an effective NGO structure:

Answer 4

a) focus on the clients / beneficiaries (form follows function)
b) structure should follow strategy
c) maintain flexibility
d) practise subsidiarity
e) minimise the number of layers

Question 5

Trade off and dilemma’s around organisational structures (3x)

Answer 5

1. Centralisation vs decentralisation
2. Admin simplicity vs participation
3. consistency vs flexibility

Question 6

the 3 levels of decentralisation

Answer 6

• deconcentration (example: field offices under centraal authority)
• delegation (example: allocation of authority to field offices)
• devolution (example: transferring authority to individuals/groups that are independent of the organisation)

Question 7

downsides of decentralisation

Answer 7

control
coordination
organisations sense of identity
duplication of functions
increase OVH costs

Question 8

Principles of system design

Answer 8

Encourage participation
Build in structured flexibility
Simplicity and clarity
ensure consistency with the NGOs culture and values
spell out responsibility and accountability

Question 9

Principles for maintaining effective mechanisms for communication and decision making within NGO’s (Hudson, 2009). The 3 principles for communication are:

Answer 9

Communication
Consultation
Consensus

Question 10

Principles for maintaining effective mechanisms for communication and decision making within NGO’s (Hudson, 2009). The 3 principles for decision making and coordination are:

Answer 10

1. organisational culture
2. written rules, procedures, guidelines, policies
3. informal mechanisms or communication
4. formal mechanisms

Question 11

Components of the gender integration framework

Answer 11

1. political wil
2. technical capacity
3. organisational culture
4. accountability