Organization and Management of NGOs in the UAE - Case Study Example

Organization and management of NGOs in the UAE: A Case Study of Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) Name Institution Date Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Introduction 3 NGO management; a theoretical perspective 4 Importance 5 Organization and management 5 NGO operations in the UAE: Contemporary situation 6 Historical background 6 Current status 6 Empirical study: A case study of Dubai Foundation for women and Children (DFWAC) 7 Role and responsibilities 8 Current projects 9 Structure and composition of DFWAC 9 Board of directors and their responsibilities 10 Decision making process 11 Financial management 12 Assessment of impacts 12 Conclusion 13 References 14 Middle East Arab news (2010). UAE Government: social services. Retrieved on 15th November from 14 14 Commonwealth of Australia (2012) Non-government organizations Working with non- 14 Government organizations. Retrieved on 13th November from 14 AMEinfo services (2012) Unilever's Fair and Lovely Alliance and Dubai Foundation for Women 15 and Children showcase highlights of partnership programme. AMEinfo. Retrieved on 12th November from 15 Ismail, M (2011). Dubai Foundation for Women and Children recruits 200 volunteers. 15 Retrieved on 15th November from 16 Organization and management of NGOs in the UAE: A Case Study of Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) Introduction The Middle East population is rapidly increasing. The UAE government responsibility in providing social services is also increasing. The UAE government has geared its efforts towards preserving its heritage, and the same time providing its people with the advantages of life through social welfare (Middle East Arab news (2010). NGOs are independent from any form of government; however, its operations are legally constituted. According to the Commonwealth of Australia (2012) report, social welfare initiatives to the marginalized and vulnerable people are effectively provided by the NGOs. The organizations are non profit making and focus on improving the society by reaching out to the needs of various communities. Governments therefore fund the NGOs to work with communities, locally and internationally. However, organization and management of NGOs have no political influence or influence by the government. NGO management; a theoretical perspective NGOs operate independently from any type of government, are legally constituted and managed by professional staff. They operate with funding from the government and corporate funding. The main aim of these institutions is social welfare, and for this reason, their main objective is not making of profits but transforming the society and improving the lives of marginalized and less fortunate people. According to Fundsforngos (2010), effective running of NGOs require effective mobilization of resources and utilization of these resources for development work. Services that these non state organizations offer include human rights sensitization, development and environmental activities. There are different types of NGOs basing on orientation and levels of cooperation. According to Wadhawan (2010), NGOs can be service oriented, charity oriented, participatory oriented or deal with empowerment of the society. They can also be grouped according to levels of co-operation. Community based organizations provide services within boundaries of certain communities while city wide organizations are a bit extensive in their operations. National NGOs serve communities within a country’s boundaries and get funding from the state they serve in apart from other independent sponsors. International organizations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) extend their activities to continents across the world. Importance Management of Non-governmental organizations is important for the continuity of the organization and accountability purposes (Mostashari, 2005). The organizations help governments in accomplishing the economic obligation of social advantage operations. Efficiently managed NGOs tackle the issues surrounding the civil society and business, thus giving the government an easier time through its operations. Mubarak (2012) states that many UAE countries experience increasing populations and as a result, economic, environmental and social issues arise. He further says that, NGOs like the Emirates Wildlife Society are able to solve these problems facing the society. This is only possible if they are well managed. Management also ensures that government’s funds are well utilized in development and social benefits and that they are not embezzled. According to Mercieca (2006), Non state organizations through volunteer programs ensure people’s involvement in solving problems. This ensures that the nation does not deteriorate. In this way Organization and management Management of NGOs mainly considers cultural differences as a key element other than other management principles. NGOs can practice top-down management involves hierarchy, control and instrumentality or Enabling management that supports flexibility, concept of process and participation in control (Lewis 2007, p. 105). The government has no influence in management. They have Chief Director who is elected through secret voting. The board of directors oversees the activities while the appointed director controls the activities of staff and ensures that the organization meets its goals. Line or department managers manage the organization activities at specific levels. Although NGOs are considered to be cost effective and closer to the poor (Edwards & International workshop, 2002, p. 6), funds allocation is based on the performance of individual organizations. Transparency in management and accountability of officials is also vital. NGO operations in the UAE: Contemporary situation Historical background From its ancient times, UAE has always had the interest of its people and has always aimed at ensuring that its entire people enjoy the wealth of the nation. Welfare systems are put in place to ensure that the vulnerable people are taken care of and sensitized of their potential in productivity. In the past, NGOs in the UAE, just like other organizations in other countries used to have political leaders, officials in the government sector and diplomats discuss about issues concerning operations of NGOs. Federal law No. (6) of 1974 included provisions for the Current status NGOs are now managed by professionals who are non government officials, courtesy to track II diplomacy. In 2008, the UAE amended the federal law No. (6) of 1974 and replaced it with Federal Law No. (2) of 2008. This law is the one that governs the general societies of the country and refers to NGOs as associations or societies for public welfare. The NGO sector in the UAE is still small. The cabinet also gave approval for the institution of new authority that governs social welfare and development. According to the UAE year book (2003), statistics in 2002 indicated that the number of societies increased from more than hundred associations, increasing the budget for social welfare to about Dh6.4 million. The UAE Humanitarian actions and social welfare provides social, psychological and pedagogical needs to the society. The UAE government offers a lot of support to the Not for Government Organizations (NGOs) through donations and programs which they benefit from. According to the UAE Interact (2005) report, the state provides social welfare programs to individual societies and organizations supporting the same. Currently, the proposed increment in social grant by the supreme council member and Sharjah ruler was implemented in January 2012. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi proposed 45% increment to the department. This indicates an increased need and response to NGOs. In the government 2011 to 2013 strategies, the government is planning on increasing Government networks through partnering with NGOs and strengthening the regulatory arm that governs establishment of NGOs and its operations. Empirical study: A case study of Dubai Foundation for women and Children (DFWAC) The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) provides help line, support services to women and children victim and emergency shelters. It was founded in the year 2007 July by Vice president and prime minister of UAE, and leader of Dubai, His highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al maktoum. It was the first women and children victims’ foundation to be certified as a non-profit helter in the UAE. The foundation provides for victims of domestic violence, child abuse and human trafficking. It qualifies the definition of a society or association according to the Federal law (2) of 2008 article 2. Role and responsibilities DFWAC works on alleviating violence among women and children. According to the provisions of article 2 of the National Societies and associations of public Welfare, the roles and responsibilities of the foundation focus on public social welfare. It plays a major role of protection. It protects women and children victims who have been abused sexually, physically and those that have been mistreated and affected emotionally. The foundation protects the victims through legislative measures, for example the UAE Federal Law 51 of 2006 which protects against human trafficking. It also prevents the acts of abuse, any further mistreatment of women and children and continued acts of violence on them. Through imposition of legislative penalties for such actions, the foundation is able to warn any intended offenders of women and children victims against the same actions. Another responsibility that DFWAC plays is promotion (UAE annual report, 2007). The foundation promotes awareness in the society through educational programs and community outreach. They encourage communities to partner with them in order to be educated concerning women and children violence. They educate on the different types of violence and how the society can prevent them. The CEO of the foundation, Mrs. Afra Al Basti states that, they as DFWAC encourage communities to join the women and children protection initiative and help them care for victims of violence through rehabilitative procedures and services. In its mission and vision, DFWAC has the responsibility of ensuring a community that is free from violence against women and children and the general society. Current projects One of the current DFWAC projects is its partnership with Unilever’s Fair and Lovely alliance. The partnership included implementation of vocational training programs. According to AMEinfo services (2012) article, representatives of both organizations held a press conference at Kempinski Hotel Dubai to announce the achievement of their partnership and extensions of the same. DFWAC is also planning to analyze data from the survey it conducted on three thousand pupils on child maltreatment (Nereim, 2012). Dr. Al Bahar states that people have not dug to the roots of child abuse by conducting surveys, despite it being talked about by child protection organization. DFWAC recently recruited a total of two hundred volunteers as part of its staff. The program was launched in 2010 and volunteers are recruited from universities, volunteers’ enrolment in the program or the Emirates voluntary social effort (Takatof). It recruited these volunteers to participate in awareness and sensitization of the community on violence against women and children. This was an effort by the organization to reach more people within the communities in order to attain its vision of a violence free community (Ismail, 2011). Structure and composition of DFWAC The organization is headed by a director general who has two assistants for corporate support and care and community services. The care and community arm comprises of care and rehabilitation, program and research and communication department while the corporate support arm has the finance and administration department, human resource and information technology department. The board of directors oversees the general operation of the foundation including the director’s operations. Board of directors and their responsibilities DFWAC foundation comprises of an eight-member board of directors. Each member has a sole role of fully knowing and understanding the purpose and mission of the organization and being in a position to provide information to people on the same. The board was responsible for the setting of the mission statement. In case any changes are to be made on the management, through consultation from of the staff, the board has the responsibility of hiring the director. This includes analyzing personal attributes and professional communications for suitability and working with an existing or elected director in realizing the goals of the organization. The board is responsible for overseeing efficient allocation and use of finances by the organization. It sets the financial policies and approves budgets of the organization to avoid financial oversight. It also analyses the books of accounts and reports of financial status. The board of directors ensures provision of adequate resources to the organization. This depends on their ability to attract and influence donors. They also ensure adequacy of human and financial resources to achieve mission and purpose, together with working closely with the director to raise funds and setting fundraising strategies. The board is the voice of the organization to the community. It communicates to the community to understand what the organization does. Decision making process Decision making in DFWAC is hierarchical. Decisions made within the foundation must go through the board for approval. Staff suggestions are directed to their supervisors, who present the proposals to the department manger of the respective department. The department manager is to present the proposal to the Director General after analyzing its contents and effects. If the director approves, then it is passed to the board for approval. Financial management The foundation keeps its accounting records for their incomes and expenditures through its finance and administration department. Receipts and invoices for purchases and documents of contracts are kept and safely filed as proof of transactions carried out. The finance and administration department also has measures for internal control systems where works conducted by staff is counter-checked by and internal staff. The Board of directors and the director together with other senior staffs like financial manager set budgets for the foundation trough consultation and analysis of the organizational needs. They decide what they want to do and ways of doing it. The finance department provides financial reports for transactions conducted over a period of time; say one year to the board of directors for analysis. The organization also has an external Auditor who reviews the books of accounts of the organization. Assessment of impacts DFWAC is having a great impact in Dubai. Through its partnership with Unilever fair and lovely, many women participated in the vocational program. This year, women showcased their achievements in they made by participating in the program. It also has had an impact through the volunteer program launched in 2010. It has allowed volunteers to learn about social responsibility and experience it fast-hand, in addition, taught them of the various types of violence and how to avoid it. DFWAC has made a difference in Dubai. Through the survey of three thousand children on child abuse, the foundation decides to do a field study that people don’t do, however much they here of the child maltreatment. Ms Al Muhairbi, who worked with DFWAC as a volunteer testifies that women could come in looking discouraged and depressed but could leave looking fine. The foundation has touched lives of women and children who could rather have died or ended up misused and helped them to rebuild their lives. Conclusion Non-Governmental organizations play a major role of impacting the society. Through the management, its effectiveness extends to development and outreach to the society needs. They have different organizational structures and systems of management. These organizations aim at social welfare and profit making is not their objectives, however, financial management is essential for accountability. They also need assessment criteria to analyze the impact and influence of their operations on the society. References Middle East Arab news (2010). UAE Government: social services. Retrieved on 15th November from Commonwealth of Australia (2012) Non-government organizations Working with non- Government organizations. Retrieved on 13th November from Mostashari, A. (2005). An introduction to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) Management. Iran studies group, MIT. Retrieved on 14th November from Fundsforngos (2010). Do you have these policy systems in your NGO? FUNDSFORNGOS. http://www.fundsforngos.org/free-resources-for-ngos/policies-systems-ngo/ Wadhawan, S (2010). Types of NGOs. Retrieved on 15th November from Mubarak, R.A (2012). The Role of NGOs in Tackling Environmental Issues. Middle East institute. Retrieved on 15th November from < http://www.mei.edu/content/role-ngos-tackling-environmental-issues> Lewis, D.J (2007). Management of non-Government Development Orgnaisation. Taylor & Francis. ISBN: 0415370922, 9780415370929 Edwards, M., & International Workshop. (2002). Non-governmental organisations – performance and accountability: Beyond the magic bullet. UAE Interact (2005). Social welfare in United Arab Emirates. Retrieved on 14th November from Read More