The impact of COVID-19 on the operations and management of NGOs: resilience and recommendations
International Journal of Organizational Analysis
ISSN: 1934-8835
Article publication date: 6 April 2022
Issue publication date: 7 November 2023
Abstract
Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic has made humanity contend with the negative footprint of its activities in which social justice, ecological integrity and economic stability are compromised. This study aims to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the operation and management of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
Multiple case study research design was used in the study with interviews from 25 senior-level management staff of NGOs.
Findings
The analysis revealed that COVID-19 impacts NGOs both negatively and positively. Dominant among the negative impacts are a decline in health-seeking behaviours, low programme implementation, increased cost and wastages resulting from PPE, transition to virtual meetings, a decline in capacity building and staff burnout/pressure. However, some positive impacts include increased efficiency through the use of virtual innovations, peer-to-peer intervention through the establishment of networks, flexibility and prompt adaptation to the crisis, prudent management of available resources, etc. This research contributes to theory and practice.
Research limitations/implications
Conducting this research and recruiting participants at the height of COVID-19 in Nigeria, in adherence to the prevention guidelines, constituted a considerable limitation to the study.
Practical implications
Although the identified impact could be useful in framing operational policies and guidelines, the study highlights a salient future outlook with policy implications for both the governance of NGOs and the facilitation of sustainable development goals by the government.
Originality/value
Although researchers continue to explore the impact of COVID-19, none has considered the NGO sector, especially in developing countries, and with a focus on providing evidence-backed resilience practices for the future.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the participants of this study given that it was conducted at the peak of the novel coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria, regardless of the social/physical distancing rules and the intended consequences of meeting with people (especially those visiting from overseas). Authors want to thank the efforts of Nestor Izuchukwu Agu who played a key role in mobilising participants for this study, despite the prevailing circumstances. The inputs of the anonymous reviewers has no doubt improved the quality of the article and remain indebted to them. This article is dedicated to Kasiemobi McKenna Asogwa who was born when the principal researcher was overseas for the data collection.
Human participants: Ethical approval was obtained.
Informed consent: Consent was obtained from participants before participation.
Citation
Asogwa, I.E., Varua, M.E., Datt, R. and Humphreys, P. (2023), "The impact of COVID-19 on the operations and management of NGOs: resilience and recommendations", International Journal of Organizational Analysis, Vol. 31 No. 6, pp. 2441-2464. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOA-12-2021-3090
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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