Civil society – Politically engaged <i>or</i> member-serving? A governance perspective

Bolleyer, Nicole

doi:10.1177/14651165211000439

Cited by 7 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 61 publications

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“…If relationships with members are treated properly, professionalization could even facilitate member involvement (Heylen, Willems & Beyers 2020). Staff-driven organizations serving the public, rather than members, are also noted to be more politicized and to engage more members than do volunteer-based and member-serving organizations (Bolleyer 2021). These results highlight the need for nuanced research on paid staff and on how they potentially shape organizational life in civil society (see also Sanders & McClellan 2014;Bolleyer & Correa 2022;Karlsen & Saglie 2017:1332.…”

Section: Professionalization and Membership In Civil Societymentioning

confidence: 99%

Policy professionals in civil society organizations

Mellquist

Sörbom

2023

SoFo

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Drawing on 24 interviews with policy professionals in 10 Swedish member-based civil society organizations (CSOs), and observations of policy professionals in three of these, we investigate CSOs from the perspective of their policy teams. This paper theoretically addresses how policy professionals relate to the members in whose name they work. This article extends the literature on civil society professionalization by conceptualizing the conflicts pertaining to policy professionals’ work in CSOs and ways of managing these conflicts. We argue that, ordinarily, CSO policy professionals working to influence public policy respond to conflicting logics and myth-like institutional demands for strong and direct influence of member interests by maintaining face and investing in the myth of member centrality. Based on how policy professionals address these issues, we suggest that organizations respond to conflicting institutional pressures and myths via decoupling strategies, discreetly avoiding member concerns while investing in the membership myth, ultimately fostering organizational hypocrisy. Conceptually, the paper contributes by connecting the literatures of civil society professionalization and new institutional theory to the burgeoning literature on policy professionals.

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Section: Professionalization and Membership In Civil Societymentioning

confidence: 99%

Policy professionals in civil society organizations

Mellquist

Sörbom

2023

SoFo

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“…Urgent attention should be given to developing an efficient coordination mechanism between various tiers of the health structure [46]. Engaging professional associations and communities in policymaking is advisable to foster inclusivity and effectiveness [47]. Furthermore, strengthening management capacity at decentralized levels is vital for efficient and responsive governance [48].…”

Section: Governancementioning

confidence: 99%

Strengthening Health Systems in Conflict: Evidence-Based Policies for Quality Care in Yemen

Ali Alraimi,

Shelke

2024

J Cardiovas Cardiol

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Yemen’s health system has faced formidable obstacles due to the enduring conflict since 2014, resulting in compromised infrastructure, disrupted services, and exacerbated vulnerabilities. This discourse meticulously analyzes the primary health system challenges in Yemen within the framework of the World Health Organization’s six pillars. It subsequently presents evidence-based policy recommendations to enhance Yemen’s health system and ensure the provision of high-quality and equitable care. In terms of service delivery, it suggests augmenting the presence of community health workers, leveraging mobile health technology, rehabilitating facilities, and improving emergency obstetric care. Regarding the health workforce, it proposes financing mechanisms for adequate remuneration, task-shifting strategies, embracing telemedicine, and fostering partnerships with universities. To strengthen information systems, it advocates for the enhancement of facility reporting, the implementation of national surveys, the utilization of mobile phone surveys, and the adoption of robust health information software. Regarding essential medicines, it recommends reorganizing regulations pertaining to selection, procurement, storage, and distribution. For health financing, it highlights the importance of increasing domestic budget allocation, implementing user fee exemptions, adopting performance-based financing mechanisms, and strengthening financial management systems. Last, in terms of governance, it emphasizes the need for transparent and accountable leadership, effective coordination mechanisms, and inclusive policy-making processes. Yemen requires sustained political commitment and adequate resources to facilitate the comprehensive reconstruction of its health system.

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The Loci of Power and Connection: a framework for exploring the democratic relationships of civil society organisations

Riboldi

2024

Int Groups Adv

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This article constructs a framework for understanding the activities of interest groups and other civil society organisations (CSOs) in relation to their democratic connections with people and communities. This is achieved by considering whether CSOs engage with people in terms of decision-making in a manner that is centralised or decentralised, counterposed with the nature of the connection, be it relational or transactional. The resulting LOPAC (Loci of Power and Connection) framework highlights four types of CSO activity, each of which has potential democratic utility and drawbacks: (1) Bare Essentials—decentralised engagement, transactional connection; (2) Crowd Control—centralised engagement, transactional connection; (3) Honeycomb—decentralised engagement, relational connection; and (4) Closed Doors—centralised engagement, relational connection. The framework is connected to key discussions within the literature, in particular around the legitimacy of CSOs, how CSOs act as transmission belts for citizens’ interests to reach those in power, and the ongoing professionalisation of the sector. The framework aims to assist scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to understand the democratic implications of the complex decisions that CSOs make on a day-to-day basis. Furthermore, the framework aids in understanding what areas CSOs can focus on when they find that their modes of engagement are inadvertently having impacts contrary to their democratic aims.

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Civil society – Politically engaged or member-serving? A governance perspective

Cited by 7 publications

References 61 publications

Policy professionals in civil society organizations

Policy professionals in civil society organizations

Strengthening Health Systems in Conflict: Evidence-Based Policies for Quality Care in Yemen

The Loci of Power and Connection: a framework for exploring the democratic relationships of civil society organisations

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