Identifier

244

Date

2024

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Major

International & Global Studies

Committee Member

Nicole Detraz

Abstract

This study investigates the challenges of social sustainability (SS) of various Northern international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs). INGOs are forced to deal with relational power dynamics between their donors and beneficiaries. These dynamics have a profound impact on the SS of INGOs. This study is a qualitative content analysis of the websites of eight of the largest humanitarian and development INGOs. By analyzing text on these sites, this study is aimed at understanding how INGOs themselves conceptualize SS and their relational power dynamics with beneficiaries and donors. This study finds that SS is primarily conceptualized through the term "accountability" and that the INGOs are actively discussing SS. Accountability reports are a common form of conceptualizing SS. The paper finds that empirical data supporting INGO SS is sparse and thus concludes by suggesting INGOs to emphasize the publication of inward-looking documents, with supporting empirical data, in order to establish stronger SS practices.

Comments

Undergraduate Honor's Thesis

Library Comment

Honors thesis originally submitted to the Local University of Memphis Honor’s Thesis Repository.

Notes

Data is provided by the student.

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