Exploring Barriers to Coordination between Humanitarian NGOs: A Comparative Case Study of two NGO’s Information Technology Coordination Bodies

Louis-Marie Ngamassi Tchouakeu, Edgar Maldonado, Kang Zhao, Harold Robinson, Carleen Maitland and Andrea Tapia
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Louis-Marie Ngamassi Tchouakeu: The Pennsylvania State University, USA
Edgar Maldonado: The Pennsylvania State University, USA
Kang Zhao: The Pennsylvania State University, USA
Harold Robinson: The Pennsylvania State University, USA
Carleen Maitland: The Pennsylvania State University, USA
Andrea Tapia: The Pennsylvania State University, USA

International Journal of Information Systems and Social Change (IJISSC), 2011, vol. 2, issue 2, 1-25

Abstract: Humanitarian nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are increasingly collaborating through inter-organizational structures such as coalitions, alliances, partnerships, and coordination bodies. NGO’s information technology coordination bodies are groups of NGOs aimed at improving the efficiency of ICT use in humanitarian assistance through greater coordination. Despite their popularity, little is known about these coordination bodies, specifically the extent to which they address inter-organizational coordination problems. This paper examines coordination problems within two humanitarian NGO’s information technology coordination bodies. Based on data collected through interviews, observation, and document analysis, despite positive attitudes toward coordination by members, seven of eight widely accepted barriers to coordination still exist among members of these coordination bodies. Further, in a comparison of mandate-oriented, structural and behavioral coordination barriers, research finds mandate issues were most significant and structural factors were found in the greatest numbers. Findings suggest that effective humanitarian NGO’s information technology coordination bodies must pay attention to both organizational design and management issues, although the former are likely to have a greater impact on coordination.

Date: 2011
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:igg:jissc0:v:2:y:2011:i:2:p:1-25

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