Article
NGO Networks, the Diffusion and Adaptation of NGO Managerialism, and NGO Legitimacy in Latin America
VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations
(2015)
Abstract
Nongovernmental organization (NGO) networks have become key instruments used by NGOs in Latin America. Because these networks have important roles to play in advocating for the sector, earning public support, and improving the provision of public goods and services, understanding these networks is important to understanding the NGO sector more broadly. The article examines how NGO networks use collective texts to diffuse and adapt managerial practices. NGO networks use elements of managerialism and their adaptations to signal quality, secure recognition in social development, identify strengths and weaknesses of the sector, and define civil society in order to garner sector legitimacy. While looking at managerialism from a critical perspective, the article finds that understanding NGOs networks and the diffusion and adaption of NGO practices can further pinpoint effective sources of sector legitimacy and help to strengthen the sector’s role in social development.
Keywords
- NGO networks,
- Managerialism,
- legitimacy,
- Latin America,
- Ecuador,
- Bolivia
Publication Date
May, 2015
DOI
10.1007/s11266-015-9594-y
Citation Information
Appe, S. (2016). NGO networks, the diffusion and adaptation of NGO managerialism, and NGO legitimacy in Latin America. VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, 27(1), 187-208. doi:10.1007/s11266-015- 9495-y