Network strategic assessment approach for dialogue and capacity development in NGOs

Abstract

As platforms for dialogue non-governmental organizations play an important role in facilitating the inclusion of a diversity of views in the debates and decisions that shape society. However, to successfully influence societal development non-governmental organizations need to develop and mobilize their capacities. This paper argues that organizational capacities can be developed and mobilized with strategic dialogues, which can be enabled and fostered with network strategic assessment approaches. Through a case study, research was carried out to draw experiences from designing a network strategic assessment approach in the context of a network-based nongovernmental organization that aims to strengthen the development of its members and communities. Even though conceptualizing the network strategic assessment approach was challenging, research results were participant engagement, process ownership and strategic dialogues. It is argued that by fostering strategic dialogues network strategic assessment approaches allow networks to synchronize and mainstream their strategic elements in the daily activities of their member organizations. Moreover, it is claimed that such approaches contribute to integrate aspects of capacity development with network planning and decision making, enhancing organizational understanding and performance.

Strategic environmental assessment and monitoring: Arctic key gaps and bridging pathways

“…However, despite growing research on and application of strategic approaches to SEA (Azcárate and Balfors 2009, Partidário and Coutinho 2011, Teigão dos Santos and Partidário 2011, Azcárate and Balfors 2013, Partidário and Gomes 2013, project-based EIA-type of approaches still dominate SEA practice, with conspicuously missing strategic frameworks for the uncertainty monitoring that is needed to manage unexpected effects, address situations of uncertainty, and link to adaptive management (Partidário andFischer 2004, Partidário 2009). This letter focuses on such strategic gaps in SEA application for the rapidly changing, transboundary Arctic region, with particular regard to actual environmental observation systems in the region and their links to strategic uncertainty monitoring in regional SEA application.…”