Is Bigger Better or Smaller More Beautiful? The tradeoffs around growth and size of INGOs

Session Submission Type: Colloquium

Abstract

The conference theme indicates “the size, reach, and scope of the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors have never been greater” and continues to expand. The growth of some INGOs remains unabated, concentrating resources within a few big organizations. What should we think of this ‘Walmartization’ of INGOs? Under what conditions is growth – such a strong institutional imperative for organizations –a good thing? Conversely, when do we romanticize smallness without much validity? This colloquy, using an innovative World Café Format, will ponder the tradeoff of INGO growth through four overarching concepts: external impact; internal management; accountability and partnerships; and innovation and risk.

Track

• Conference Track – Nonprofits, Philanthropy, and Government: Policy and Partnerships in an Era of Change

Chairs

• Cristina Balboa, Baruch College-City University of New York

• Tosca Maria Bruno-VanVijfeijken, Syracuse University

Discussant

• Tosca Maria Bruno-VanVijfeijken, Syracuse University

Presenters

• Susan Appe, Binghamton University

• Cristina Balboa, Baruch College-City University of New York

• Megan Begert, Binghamton University

• Li Yang, Beijing Normal University