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Organisational factors influencing sustainability of local non‐governmental organisations: Lessons from a Ghanaian context

Ernest L. Okorley (Department of Agricultural Extension and Economics, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana)
Edmund E. Nkrumah (Auditing Section, Architectural Engineering Services Limited, Accra, Ghana)

International Journal of Social Economics

ISSN: 0306-8293

Article publication date: 6 April 2012

2741

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the role of non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) as actors in development, the issue of local NGOs' sustainability remains a major concern in many developing countries such as Ghana. This study seeks to determine key factors that can influence local NGOs based on a Ghanaian case study.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used a combination of quantitative and qualitative research approaches.

Findings

The study identifies that the availability of funds, quality material resources, supportive leadership, development of needs‐based and demand‐driven programmes, and effective management can have a significant influence on the sustainability of local NGOs. Significantly, leadership emerged as the most important factor to organisational sustainability of local NGOs. Equally, the availability and quality of material resources for work were least critical to local NGO sustainability, although they were all very important.

Practical implications

The case study suggests that local NGOs can adopt several measures to ensure their sustainability. These include the writing of good needs‐based and demand‐driven project proposals, ensuring transparency and accountability, leadership training and lobbying for resources including funds, especially, from local sources.

Originality/value

Although the findings are based on Ghanaian local NGO sustainability scenario, the lessons can be useful to NGOs within similar contexts.

Keywords

Citation

Okorley, E.L. and Nkrumah, E.E. (2012), "Organisational factors influencing sustainability of local non‐governmental organisations: Lessons from a Ghanaian context", International Journal of Social Economics, Vol. 39 No. 5, pp. 330-341. https://doi.org/10.1108/03068291211214190

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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