Non governmental Organizations(NGO)

NGOs are classified differently.

There are various types of NGOs:

(i) charity,

(ii) development, and

(iii) empowerment

In addition to these there are also other types of NGOs:

(1) social welfarism,

(2) radical nationalism, and

(3) socialist orientation.

It is in the third stage of development that action groups (NGOs) develop an alternative social order because of their radical socialist orientation.

Characteristics of NGO

The following are some of the characteristics associated with the word ‘NGO’:

• The generate and distribute profit is not the aim of NGOs. They are known as not-for-profit organizations. This is even valid when they are engaging in activities which seem revenue generating or in conditions where they give remuneration to the employees working for these organizations.

• Voluntary participation and organization is one of the chief characteristics of NGOs. They are formed voluntary by the will of their founders.

• NGOs are different from informal or ad hoc organizations in terms of their structure as well as rules and acts governing them. They have stated objectives, mission and vision. Additionally, they are answerable to their donors and members.

• NGOs display an independent existence, especially from government, public, political and commercial organizations.

There are several other characteristics of NGOs as expressed by many different authors, including:

• They get a legal status as granted by their registration with the Government.

• They are flexibility and distance from bureaucracy and red tapism.

• They are prompt in decision making as they are less hierarchies andstructures.

• They are created by the promoters not for their benefit.

• The members of the NGOs generally carry a very high spirit anddetermination.

• The members have a greater degree of freedom in their work and it is not formally defined. And therefore, may promote leadership.

• They are value driven.

• They are people oriented.