Inside NGOs : Managing conflicts between headquarters and the field offices in non-governmental organizations

The author addresses the major areas of tension existing between headquarters and field offices, which will be familiar to those working for NGOs, including flexibility and consistency in administrative practice, diversity and similarity of NGO staff, and field-orientated and organizationally-oriented attitudes of those staff.

Inside NGOs acknowledges that NGOs are complex entities consisting of diverse offices staffed by diverse members who hold diverse values. It concentrates on the tension that arises between headquarters and field offices and suggests ways to resolve areas of conflict. The author addresses the major areas of tension existing between headquarters and field offices, which will be familiar to those working for NGOs, including flexibility and consistency in administrative practice, diversity and similarity of NGO staff, and field-orientated and organizationally-oriented attitudes of those staff. The author concludes that NGO effectiveness will increase as staff assess organizational processes carefully, take long term perspectives, become willing and able to take risks, make use of mistakes, and seek new understandings of their problems. This thoroughly researched book draws upon the vast experiences of NGO practitioners and fieldworkers to provide valuable solutions for headquarters and field offices as they relate to each other and to donors as well. It will be a valuable tool for anyone involved in NGO management or working for an NGO.