Networking, resource mobilisation and NGO role-performance: Considering more than simply the main effects

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to establish the relationship between networking, resource mobilization, and role performance of Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs).

Design/methodology/approach – This study is cross-sectional and correlational. The results, using a questionnaire, are obtained from a sample of 122 NGOs in Uganda.

Findings – The study finds that both resource mobilisation and networking are significant predictors of NGO role-performance; with resource mobilisation the most significant predictor of NGO role performance. Human resource mobilisation as a construct of resource mobilisation correlates better with NGO role-performance relative to financial resource mobilisation. Similarly, the political networking construct correlates better, relative to business networking, with NGO role-performance and subsists in the presence of financial resources but not in the presence of human resources. Notably, we find a significant partial mediation of resource mobilization in the relationship between networking and NGO Role-performance.

Research limitations/implications – Networks can help organisations to mobilize resources. Thus, if NGOs are to improve the performance of their roles, networking, especially political networking, and resource mobilisation (essentially human resources) should be enhanced. To ensure generalisation, further research may wish to focus on other sectors (like government institutions) to establish the relationship between networking, resource mobilisation, and those institutions' role-performance.

Originality/value – Our design allows for the consideration of more than simply the main effects of networking and resource mobilisation by exploring the mediating role of resource mobilisation in the link between networking and NGO role-performance thus offering a more accurate and detailed description of the relationships between networking, resource mobilisation and NGO role-performance in a developing country context.