First, I would like to preface this with my assumptions of the non-government, non-profit organizations in India and then attempt to reason the need (or not) for rating of NGO/NPOs.
My understanding is that a large number of NGO/NPOs are created out of passion of a person, later to be supported by a group of people who believe in that vision. Many of these organizations provide services in the profession of the leader or from the perspective of ‘wanting to help.’ Hence, many organizations are, perhaps, personality driven.
NGOs/NPOs come in various sizes, shapes and characteristics. It develops to be a complex entity with unique work cultures, service delivery models and select client groups.
To support these entities, NGOs/NPOs are now attracting funds through donors; public or private (agencies or individuals), both local and foreign based. It is understood that the government and donor agencies carry out their own due diligence prior to granting funds.
Another level of increased activity seen within the NGO/NPO sector is the civil society participation, either through volunteerism, donations or company corporate social responsibility policies.
Herein, emerges the idea of ‘rating NGOs’. I believe that this may be feasible some time in the future. At this point in time, it is imperative to recognize that globalization has had an immense impact on the Indian NGO/NPO sector and the civil society. Aside from concepts of transparency, accountability and standards of best practices, the awareness levels of citizen rights have been brought to the forefront.
Taking all these into account, a step-by-step process can be undertaken to establish standards of best practice that promote transparency, accountability, organization sustainability and efficient use of resources. This process takes into account the complexities and uniqueness of an organization.
To initiate such processes is difficult, as it signifies change in current practices and systems. It is an exercise that reflects and impacts both, from the perspective of an organization and on the individual level. It is about changes in attitude, behavior and organization structure. To effect changes one must realize, understand, accept and be open to change.
To establish best practices, the organization must be prepared to look inward; reflect on history and experiences, review current practices objectively, assess if vision is being met or even current, etc. An outside agency can only help one through this process and not diagnose nor recommend solutions. A consultant can not tell you what changes are needed but can only be a guide.
The process to establish best practices is for an organization review in the areas of:
- Governance
- Management
- Financials
- Human Resources Management and Professional Development
- Sustainability
- Communications
(NB: The skill-set for leadership, management and governance are very different and specific to that practice.)
This review is undertaken through interviews with stakeholders and document assessment. The end product is a report that collates above information and provides an analysis in the above areas (also know as a ‘report on the health of the organization.’) The organization is then better equipped and knowledgeable to develop and implement best practices unique to its vision.
Vinay, I think rating NGOs into credible organizations is perhaps an ‘end product’ of the process of NGOs being able to meet the challenges of a changing environment and still be responsive to its vision and stakeholders. It is about being consistently remaining true to the principles of altruism that shaped the NGO sector.
Shobhna S. Kumar
shobhna.s.kumar@gmail.com