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

Organization and Management of NGOs in the UAE: A Case Study of Noor Dubai Foundation Name Institution Date Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Introduction 3 NGO Management: A Theoretical Perspective 3 Importance of NGOs 5 Organization and management of NGOs 6 Empirical study: A Case Study of Noor Dubai Foundation 8 Genesis, Roles and Responsibilities 8 Current Projects 8 Structure and Composition 9 Decision Making Process 9 Financial Management 10 An Assessment of Impacts 10 Conclusion 11 References 12 Ameinfo.com, 2012. Noor Dubai Foundation concludes its eye camp in Pakistan, retrieved on 12 November 29th 2012 from 12 http://www.ameinfo.com/noor-dubai-foundation-concludes-eye-camp-319617. 12 Noor Dubai, 2012. About Noor Dubai Foundation. Retrived on November 29th 2012 from 13 http://www.noordubai.ae/en/AboutUs.aspx. 13 Introduction Non Governmental Organizations have been predominant in countries due to their non-power seeking approach. Most charitable societies in the UAE have focused on issues of social and humanitarian concern. Others are associations with professional and religious backgrounds. This presents NGOs as an important tool used by governments in implementing policies especially when trying to reach out to the poor and helping them, out in undertaking projects that are developmental. In fact, NGOS have been reported to be currently competing with both private and bureau enterprises to capture government contracts (Lane and Wallis, 2009). Governments are using NGOs as a partner in most of their dealings and the NGOs find favour because they are held with high regard by the public since they are not power-seeking and neither are they after profits. This paper will discuss the organization of NGOs in the UAE, with respect to a case study carried out on Norr Dubai Foundation. NGO Management: A Theoretical Perspective Meaning and Typologies The existence of the term Non-Governmental Organization, in Mostashari’s (2005) view, started in 1945 and this was as a result of the need to create a difference in the United Nations’ Charter between the rights for participation for intergovernmental agencies private international organizations. The UN considers all private bodies as being NGOs and in their view; an NGO is any organization that is independent from the control of the government and does not seek to challenge the government. It should not be a political party and its focus should be on human rights, without intending to make profits and operating as a non-criminal organ. Some NGOs are development oriented while others are for charity missions. Presently, organizations that are community based have been formed at national and global level. Such organizations collude with the other NGOs in pursuit of certain goals in the society. An NGO can be classified as a component that lobbies for social movement in a civil society (Bendell, 2006). NGOs may be categorized into two groups, viz advocacy NGOs and Operational NGOs. An interpretation of this could be the ones that promote large changes through their political system’s influence and those that promote small scale changes through their indulgence in projects. NGOs that are operational will mobilize resources (materials/ labor and financial donations) so as to uphold their programs and projects. It therefore requires a complex organization since finance obtained by any means requires careful management along with patience before it is disbursed. This calls for a headquarters bureaucracy that is efficient in besides staff that is out operating in the field. On the other hand, advocacy NGOs requires funds on a small scale for the same functions as operational NGOs. Besides, external donors do not impose any burdens on the administration. The similarities of these two lie in their need to raise funds, be it through fundraising or donations, but the difference lies in their execution of projects (Mostashari’s, 2005). Importance of NGOs Although the present world has experience significant transformation in economy, transfer of knowledge and information, all because of globalization, Heintz (2006) believes that several other challenges still face nations and they cannot be solved at national borders. The world experiences global threats to security of humans and their prosperity and worries about the planet’s sustainability. Deadly weapons keep spreading along with deadly diseases, global warming and poverty in countries. Through the NGOs, these problems are collectively tackled since proper study of the problems and situations are done before an NGO is setup to handle a particular problem. In addition, the NGOs promote equity in regimes of global trade and they work to protect the ecosystems of the planet. Besides, they contribute to development of a world that is safe and globally social. For instance, some group of dedicated NGOs issued a ban on use of landmines. This contributes to environmental protection. In addition, the current situation of the AIDs pandemic has greatly improved and the credit goes to NGOs that fought hard to combat its spread. NGOs express their concerns to citizens and in some cases they force accountability of governments. Besides this, they meet needs that are not addressed and work to improve life’s quality. The efficiency of NGOs comes from their approach of identifying a problem, carrying out studies on its occurrence and how it can be solved then working towards getting the funds to curb the problem. By so doing, political stability along with prosperity of the economy is promoted. The world therefore becomes inclusive, equitable and above all, sustainable (Heintz, 2006). Organization and management of NGOs NGOs usually exist in various shapes, sizes and with respect to their functions. They could be massive transnational organizations that provide social services like charity works such as Sharjah Charity International. Others could be providing religious services like the IACAD. In addition, the NGO could be organized nationally with a centralized headquarters that is tasked with coordinating the activities of the local branch offices. Other NGOs are organized in form of local organizations such as self help groups. Such cases usually collude with other NGOs in working towards the achievement of the same goal (Aronson, 2003). Good governance of NGOS is the key to their successful functioning and sustainability. The resources of the NGO have to be managed in a transparent manner along with being done in an accountable and equitable manner with respect to the needs of the people. Most NGOs do not usually have the resources and institutional capacity to operate on their own. They therefore rely on funds from donors and at times, these funds are mismanaged. Good governance coupled with accountability has to be used to ensure the effective management of the NGOs (Lekorwe and Mpabanga, 2007). In addition, management of most NGOs involves constitution of a board. Such an approach brings about an efficient and productive management of the NGO since the leaders and organizations are brought together with a common interest in working in the board to facilitate capacity building through training and enhancing governance and management tools. The purpose of the board is to set strategies and policies that will be used in running the NGO. These have to be in accordance with agreed principles of the NGO, its purposes and scope. In addition, the board sets guidelines for operation, drafts work plans and is responsible for the NGO’s budget. In funding decisions, the board is mostly involved. The board also sets the working criteria for either membership or for appointing and reviewing panels or groups that support the NGO. NGO operations in the UAE: Contemporary situation NGOs in the UAE exist in a country that has set out on a mission to ensure that its development goes beyond the economy to social aspects. These NGOs work to promote educational needs, health care needs, promote social cohesion along with a preserved identity for the people. Efforts have been made by NGOs to boost the social development of the country. For instance, NGOs like Sharjah Charity International have colluded with other sponsors (Sharjah International Airport) to fund schools and to support victims of war such as that which was witnessed at Lebanon. Other organizations like the Sharjah Foundation for Women Development work to develop the concept of the effective role of women in the society. Other Women’s societies are in existence and they all channel their efforts towards promoting the rights of women and the girl-child in the society. The year 2012 saw the ruler of Sharjah increase social aid by an amazing 45 %, bringing the amount to about Dhs50.4 million (The International Program of the Charity Mission, 2012). In addition, the Ministry of Social Affairs supported the resolutions of the UAE president on social aid. This resolution was meant to cover all sectors of the community, viz the social security beneficiaries, federal employees and even children whose mothers were married to foreign employees. In the year 2010, the UAE made a call on all Arab countries to develop a common vision of ensuring social works and social policies were laid so as to ensure a safe as well as a stable community. NGOs in the UAE therefore have a favorable ground on which to operate from since the government is in support of social works and they can therefore be used in assisting the government achieve its social responsibility (UAE Interact, 2012). Empirical study: A Case Study of Noor Dubai Foundation Genesis, Roles and Responsibilities This foundation is a UAE based NGO that works internationally in charitable events to prevent and treat blindness and low vision. It started in Dubai and has over time spread out its operations to many other countries. The prime minister of UAE: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid paid tribute to the organization in 2008, stating that it was a demonstration of Dubai’s continued commitment to ensuring a responsible global citizenship and in helping the less fortunate. The organization is responsible for carrying out therapeutic, preventative and educational programs that are meant to treat and to prevent visual impairment and blindness in developing countries; both locally, regionally and internationally. It the foundation was made under the under the principles of working towards the elimination of blindness that is preventable and this is in line with the vision 2020. It also intends to promote gender equality regarding the treatment of disabilities in vision. Further, it intends to advance the economic conditions of developing nations by rehabilitating the handicapped citizens. Education of the public on preventable blindness is also part of their principles. Above all, the NGO intends to cultivate an attitude of transparency and openness as a non-profit organization. Current Projects One of its most current projects has been an eye camp in Pakistan (Kandiaro). This was the last of four camps that had also been conducted in Togo, Sri Lanka and Yemen. This mission realized the examination and treatment of 22,579 individuals who had visual impairment while over 1785 patients had surgery performed on them. In addition, medical eye glasses were distributed to over 5000 patients (Ameinfo.com, 2012). Structure and Composition The management structure of this NGO has the board of trustees as the top management. Under him is the chief executive officer who is above the national coordinators from the various countries in which they operate. The coordinators have the following under them: finance and administration, program support, research and education and the operations team. The board of trustees comprises the chairman, vice-chairman and three board members, one of whom is the CEO. Their main responsibility is to make vision and policies for the operation of the NGO. Decision Making Process The decision making process of the Noor Dubai foundation follows the practices proposed by INGO (2009) where the decision depends on the levels of participation of individuals. At the information level, the research and education team plays a key role. This is followed by the consultation level where the all concerned stakeholders are copied. The dialogue level involves the program support team and the CEO. At the partnership level, the CEO is involved together with the board of governors and the sponsors of the foundation. The general process follows the structure of agenda setting, drafting of the agenda, making a decision, implementation followed by monitoring and reformulation. Decision makers at Noor Foundation face the challenge of prioritization of resources for supporting logistics management, funding as well as educational issues, operations and human resource management (University of Wollongong, 2012). Financial Management Noor Dubai Foundation has an accounting policy and procedure manual that documents policies and procedures that the organization uses in recording and monitoring its transactions. Any cash that is received has to be accounted for. Besides this, an annual and operational budget is made and the daily expenditures recorded. The original budget for a financial year has to be compared to the actual expenditure and any deviation is reported to the donors for approvals. Reports are made on monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual basis. The reports include financial report and program reports to the board of trustees as well as to the donors. Statutory repots are also made after auditing. Auditing is done to verify how correct the accounts are by doing detailed checks of transactions, testing actual values and reviewing the internal control. An Assessment of Impacts The treatment and prevention of visual impairment by Noor Foundation is aimed at empowering individuals and enabling them to participate constructively in the society. By helping the visually impaired children, Noor has been able to open up their chances in education. Through this education they can escape poverty and get better lives. For adults whose sights have been restored, they are able to participate in the working life fully and thus improve their standards of living as well as contributing to the society. Ultimately, treating individuals with visual impairment impacts majorly on their well-being as well as the communities and nations. Besides this, the education given to individuals has greatly reduced the number of preventable blindness in many countries. Achievements in their works can be evidenced by the awards and appreciations received, viz the DIHAD 2011 award for contribution, the Family Gathering 2011 appreciation from princess Haya Bint AlHussein Cultural and Islamic Centers among many others, (Noor Dubai, 2012). Conclusion The Noor Dubai Foundation has been a leading example of social services in the society. Its operations have spread out globally and this can be attributed to the good governance and the commitment to serve. These efforts have realized a lot of developments in developing countries and many success stories have been told by beneficiaries. It is therefore a reflection of how good governance in an NGO coupled with the commitment to serve can lead to achievement of its goals. References Ameinfo.com, 2012. Noor Dubai Foundation concludes its eye camp in Pakistan, retrieved on November 29th 2012 from http://www.ameinfo.com/noor-dubai-foundation-concludes-eye-camp-319617. Aronson Jay, 2003. Non-Governmental Organizations. Carnegie Mellon. Bendell Jem, 2006. Debating NGO Accountability: NGLS Development Dossier. UN, New York and Geneva. Heintz Stephen, 2006. The Role of NGOs in Modern Societies and an Increasingly Interdependept World. Retrieved on November 27, 2012 from: http://www.ifce.org/pages/envirolink_Articles/5m06/Role.htm. INGO, 2009. Code of Good Practice for Civil Participation in the Decision-Making Process: Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe. Lane Jan-Erik and Wallis Joe, 2009. Non-Profit Organizations in Public Policy Implementation. Journal of public administration and policy research Vol. 1(7) pp. 141-149. Lekorwe M. and Mpabanga D., 2007. Managing Non-Governmental Organizations in Botswana. The Innovation Journal: The Public Sector Innovation Journal, Volume 12(3), Article 10. Garborone, Botswana. Mostashari Ali, 2005. An Introduction to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) management. Iranian Studies Group at MIT. Noor Dubai, 2012. About Noor Dubai Foundation. Retrived on November 29th 2012 from http://www.noordubai.ae/en/AboutUs.aspx. The International Program of the Charity Mission, 2012. NGO Regulation Network. Retrieved on November 27th 2012 from: http://www.ngoregnet.org/country_information_by_region/Middle_East_and_North_Africa/United_Arab_Emirates.asp. UAE Interact, 2012. Social Develoment- Social Welfare. Retrieved on 28 November 2012 from http://www.uaeinteract.com/news/default3.asp?ID=41. University of Wollongong, 2012, Noor Dubai Foundation: managing blindness in developing countries. Dubai. Retrieved on November 29th 2012 from http://ro.uow.edu.au/dubaipapers/160/. Read More

NGOs that are operational will mobilize resources (materials/ labor and financial donations) so as to uphold their programs and projects. It therefore requires a complex organization since finance obtained by any means requires careful management along with patience before it is disbursed. This calls for a headquarters bureaucracy that is efficient in besides staff that is out operating in the field. On the other hand, advocacy NGOs requires funds on a small scale for the same functions as operational NGOs.

Besides, external donors do not impose any burdens on the administration. The similarities of these two lie in their need to raise funds, be it through fundraising or donations, but the difference lies in their execution of projects (Mostashari’s, 2005). Importance of NGOs Although the present world has experience significant transformation in economy, transfer of knowledge and information, all because of globalization, Heintz (2006) believes that several other challenges still face nations and they cannot be solved at national borders.

The world experiences global threats to security of humans and their prosperity and worries about the planet’s sustainability. Deadly weapons keep spreading along with deadly diseases, global warming and poverty in countries. Through the NGOs, these problems are collectively tackled since proper study of the problems and situations are done before an NGO is setup to handle a particular problem. In addition, the NGOs promote equity in regimes of global trade and they work to protect the ecosystems of the planet.

Besides, they contribute to development of a world that is safe and globally social. For instance, some group of dedicated NGOs issued a ban on use of landmines. This contributes to environmental protection. In addition, the current situation of the AIDs pandemic has greatly improved and the credit goes to NGOs that fought hard to combat its spread. NGOs express their concerns to citizens and in some cases they force accountability of governments. Besides this, they meet needs that are not addressed and work to improve life’s quality.

The efficiency of NGOs comes from their approach of identifying a problem, carrying out studies on its occurrence and how it can be solved then working towards getting the funds to curb the problem. By so doing, political stability along with prosperity of the economy is promoted. The world therefore becomes inclusive, equitable and above all, sustainable (Heintz, 2006). Organization and management of NGOs NGOs usually exist in various shapes, sizes and with respect to their functions. They could be massive transnational organizations that provide social services like charity works such as Sharjah Charity International.

Others could be providing religious services like the IACAD. In addition, the NGO could be organized nationally with a centralized headquarters that is tasked with coordinating the activities of the local branch offices. Other NGOs are organized in form of local organizations such as self help groups. Such cases usually collude with other NGOs in working towards the achievement of the same goal (Aronson, 2003). Good governance of NGOS is the key to their successful functioning and sustainability.

The resources of the NGO have to be managed in a transparent manner along with being done in an accountable and equitable manner with respect to the needs of the people. Most NGOs do not usually have the resources and institutional capacity to operate on their own. They therefore rely on funds from donors and at times, these funds are mismanaged. Good governance coupled with accountability has to be used to ensure the effective management of the NGOs (Lekorwe and Mpabanga, 2007). In addition, management of most NGOs involves constitution of a board.

Such an approach brings about an efficient and productive management of the NGO since the leaders and organizations are brought together with a common interest in working in the board to facilitate capacity building through training and enhancing governance and management tools.

Read More