For civil society organizations (CSOs) among the main success features are adaptability, high team spirit, professionalism, clearly defined mission and strategic management, established partnerships, and effective communications according to the study results "Success or Failure of CSOs and Networks/Coalitions. Report on the Study of Main Factors and Reasons for the Termination of Their Activities." The basis of the research is the study of analytical documents and in-depth interviews with representatives of CSOs and coalitions, donor organizations, and experts in organizational development.
"ISAR Ednannia has been working for over 30 years and saw many organizations and networks being created, and sooner or later they begin to change. Some are still operating successfully after transforming, while others due to certain circumstances and conditions are blighted. We intended to understand what influences these processes, as we needed to know how to proceed with activities effectively," noted ISAR Ednannia Executive Director Volodymyr Sheyhus at the study’s presentation in the House of Civil Society.
The study also shows that leadership is important but is not a decisive factor. 41% of respondents consider the role of leadership to be crucial in maintaining CSOs' successful activities, while 49% note that leadership is important, although, not a key condition for success. For these respondents, the organization's success depends more on the team’s professionalism which may become a good support for a leader. Interviews point out that the leadership roles in CSO may gradually change along with the maturity of the organization and the whole non-governmental sector of Ukraine.
Additionally, according to the study, participation in coalitions is beneficial for CSOs but is an additional component in shaping their success. Yet, the main reasons for the stagnation and closing of CSOs are the loss of financial stability, volunteers and staff turnover due to burnout and stress, activities and influence on society decrease, reputation losses, and absence of new ideas and development strategies. Moreover, weak adaptation to modern challenges also leads to organizations' decline. Among other main challenges are war, the COVID-19 pandemic, financial difficulties, and bureaucratic obstacles.
84% of NGOs according to the study have experienced periods of slowdown or stagnation in their activities. However, most of them were able to resume their work by employing various new strategies. These include slowing or partially closing down some activities, changing priorities, and temporarily or completely closing up.
Visit ISAR Ednannia Analytical Library to get acquainted with the study and also find other sociological researches that impact changes in Ukraine.
This study is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) within the Ukraine Civil Society Sectoral Support Activity implemented by ISAR Ednannia in partnership with the Ukrainian Center of Independent Political Research (UCIPR) and Centre for Democracy and Rule of Law (CEDEM).
