J. Appl. Environ. Biol. Sci., 8(3)118-122, 2018 | ISSN: 2090-4274 |
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DeptertmentofSciologyandGenderStudies BachaKhanUniversityCharsadda,Pakistan1 FacultyofSocialSciences,UniversitiMalaysiaSarawak(UNIMAS)2 DeptertmentofManagementSciencesBachaKhanUniversityCharsadda,Pakistan3 FacultyofEcnomicsandBussinessUniversityofMalaysiaSarawak4
Received: November 2, 2017 Accepted: January 15, 2018
This study focuses on the analysis of socio-economic impacts of Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) development on beneficiaries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) of Pakistan. In order to accomplish the task, the qualitative method has been adopted based on the triangulation method in the study. Three fundamental approaches comprising of Regime Theory, Agency Theory, and Theory of Change have been applied to examinetheroleofNGOs.ThefindingsillustratedafactthatNGOinKParetherootofimprovingthestandard of living of beneficiaries who are poor and socially separated. In opposition, some adverse impacts of these NGOs were found duringthe 9/11incident when thebeneficiaries were sociallydivided and poorlydeveloped. However, these impacts do not take over the positivity of NGOs development in KP including the Aga Khan RuralSupportProgram(AKRSP)andsuchkindsofotherNGOs. KEYWORDS: Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, socio-economic impact,
AsianDevelopmentBank,AgaKhanRuralSupportProgram.
When the governments are unable to provide services to the individuals and communities due to the lack of resources or rational decision-making then Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) take the responsibilityfor theimprovementintheregion(Teegen,Doh,&Vachani,2004). In the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) where the development of NGOs has been a considerable alternative to the beneficiaries/refugees hit by war and/or natural incidences (Khan, Kurosaki, & Miura, 2011). KP is also formallyknown as the North-west Frontier Province (NWFP) where the militarydisturbances and fallout have been increasing over the decades (Bennett, 1998). After the Afghanistan war, these disturbances have been further increased that affected the people mental health illnesses and injustice and increased the ratio of KP beneficiaries (Ahmad,2010). Atthisstage,NGOsdevelopmentcouldbeeffectivetoensurethesocialandculturaljusticeonthehumanitarian ground (Jazayery, 2003). As per the Theoryof Justice (Rawls, 2009), the sociallyjust efficient distribution of goods/services in a society through developing social contract improves the social situation of a region. By contrast, it is ambiguous to what extent these organisations may contribute positively to the incumbent KP beneficiaries’living. ThisstudyexaminestheliteratureontheroleofNGOsonbeneficiariesinKPbyidentifyingthesocio-economic impact that has been seen over the past few years, asKhan, Kurosaki, &Miur (2011), Mietzner (2012), Hafiza, Shah, Jamsheed, &Zaman (2011)reinforce the adverse impact ofNGOs. AccordingtoTeegen, Doh&Vachani (2004),inalloverthePakistan,thereareseveralNGOsperformingwell.Inopposition,theroleofNGOscanbe inescapable, particularlyin KP (Sungi Development Foundation, 2005). Over the past one decade, the number ofKPNGOshasincreased(Tahir,2014). After the tribal governance failure, these NGOs started social activities in most of the regions of KP (Tahir, 2014). This increased the justice for beneficiaries and/or refugees and empower the marginalised, particularly women in accordance with their rights (Mehboob, 2011). It led the NGOs to the replication of community participationmodelforothersupportprograms(Tahir,2014). TheNGOslocatedinKPhavelaunchedvariousworkingsystemofsocioeconomicdevelopmentbydevelopingthe partnership with Pakistan government (Bennett, 1998). The major purpose behind these programs is to facilitate local residents including refugees/beneficiaries (Teegen, Doh&Vachani, 2004). Therefore, these NGOs have positive economic impact on beneficiaries in terms of fulfilling the gap of poverties but after the 9/11 incident, some NGOs in Pakistan fragmented the country' local education system and ultimately contributed to the high
Corresponding Author: Anwarul Mujahid Shah, Deptertment of Sciology and Gender Studies Bacha Khan University Charsadda,Pakistan.Email:anwar_ids@yahoo.com
Shahet al.,2018
social inequality that further accelerated the division in society (Talat, 2014). This small exposure reduces the importanceofNGOsdevelopmentasanalternativetothebeneficiarieswhethertheyliveinanyarea. The intended literature on socio-economic influences of NGOs on beneficiaries in KP does not present the real consensus on the effective/ineffective working of these institutions, particularly in this region. Based on this evaluation,thecontemplatedresearchpaperfocusesonthetheorytriangulationmethodinwhichdifferenttheories andperspectivesareanalysedtogenerateinfluentialresultsinthecontextofNGOsforbeneficiariesinKP.
Three approaches are used in research named as qualitative, quantitative, and mixed qualitative approaches. Quantitativeresearchapproachesarefocusedon analyzingdataquantitativelyusingthenumericalanalysis with thehelpofstatisticaltools (Creswell, 2013). Qualitativeresearch approaches, ontheotherhand, arefocused on the analyzing the data descriptively. These research approaches commonly use descriptive methods for interpreting the data such as content and thematic analysis (Patton, 2005). The mixed research approach is a combinationofbothqualitativeandquantitativeresearchapproacheswherebybothmethodsareusedtogetherto enhance the outcome and increase the validity of the research. This method includes both statistical and non-statisticalanalysis(Frels&Onwuegbuzie,2013). The research topic of this research has not been studied extensively before and has a significant gap in the literature. This research, however, uses qualitative research approach since it allows analysis of the qualitative material.Thismethodisusefulforobtainingrichinformationinshortperiodoftime(Patton,2005).
Thepresentresearchusedfourresearcharticlesassourceofsecondarydataforin-depthanalysissupportedby theoreticalframeworksconductedinNWFP(oldnameofKhyberPakhtunkhwa)andPakistan.Theseinclude,
Triangulation is the method of enhancing validity in qualitative research while analyzing data from multiple perspectives (Bush, 2007). Accordingtothenatureofthisresearch, thetriangulation methodopted for the study was Theory triangulation. This method involves adopting different theories for interpreting the data that in thiscase is collected from thesecondarysources. The three theories selected for theanalysis ofthe data includeTheoryofChange,Regimetheory,andAgencyTheory.
J. Appl. Environ. Biol. Sci.,8(3)118-122,2018
Theory of Change focuses on a particular methodology type for planning, participating, and evaluating in the NGOs for the promotion of social change. This theory focuses on long-terms objectives and then maps backwardsforidentificationofessentialpreconditions(Carman,2009). Regimetheoryisdefinedbytheinternationalrelationsoriginatedfromtheliberaltraditionsarguingtheideathat international regimes or institutions affect the states behavior or behavior of international actors. This theory focuses on the postulation that cooperation within the anarchic system between states is achievable since regimesarebyliteralexplanationinstancesofinternationalcooperation(Ahmed&Potter,2006). AgencyTheoryreflectstheconflictsofinterestsbetweenpeoplehavingvaryinginterestsinthesimilarassets.In other words, it highlightstherelationshipbetween principals andagentsin termsofNGOs (Lan &Heracleous, 2010). The theory is concerned with resolving issues in agency relationships due to different risks such as unalignedgoals.
The Theory of Change (2015) states a non-profit organization is responsible for promoting quality standards with a consideration of the application in the areas of sustainability, human rights, and social/economicchanged.TheresearchconductedbySadruddin(2012)broadlyhighlightedtheimpactofNGOs developmentinKP.ItindicatedthatNGOsareassistingthebeneficiariesinKPintermsofpromotingpluralism as well asdiversitywithinandall over the Pakistan. Themajor contributionsofsuch NGOs arein stressingthe human values in the form of increasing liberty, equality, bonding, and brotherhood. In this regard, its social impactsarerelativelystrongcomparedtotheeconomicbenefits. As per theTheoryofChange, social andeconomic changeis brought bythe NGOsthrough effective initiative. Ayaz (2005) also supported this fact in his research by projecting that currently, the KP/NWFP' NGOs are focusing on improved communication strategies for Afghan refugees/beneficiaries. In opposition, the author stated that it is a complicated method, which may bring social issues in terms of conflicts that reduces the importantofNGOsdevelopmentwithintheregion(Ayaz,2005).
As per Regime Theory, liberal traditions might be helpful in developing international relations, but it requires the need ofinternational institutions/regimes that help in changing the behavior ofmembers (at national andindividuallevels)(Davies,2002).AnotherstudypresentedbyKhanH(2006),revealedthatNGOsoperatingin KParemainlyworkingastheregimeofchangingbehavior ofbeneficiariesandlocal peoplethrough contributing tothewomen empowerment, whichisincludedinthe socioeconomic status. Thus, themajoraim oftheNGOsin KPistomakewomenliberalizeandabletofightfortheirrights.Additionally,theprovisionofcreditfacilitiesand traininghasbeenpositivelyaffectingtheeconomicactivitiesofwomeninordertoincreasetheirincome.However, itcanonlybesuccessfulifproperandregularmonitoringareensuredbytheNGOs.
3.3Agency Theory andImpact of NGOs
Agency theory elaborates, foresees, and exerts limitation among the financial parties (Lan & Heracleous, 2010; Douglas, 2010). Considering agency theory, it is necessary that NGOs be provided with sufficient authority in terms of financial resources in order to have a potentially positive impact on the beneficiaries of KP. The research conducted by Khan (2002) highlighted this factor by projecting the case of alleviating poverty from KP. The research indicates that due to the traditional policy that was focused on providingresources toonlyrich areasresultedin lowproductivity, unemployment, andmigration ofworkersin rural areas. The situation highlighted an agency problem whereby finances were not equally disseminated. However, after resolving the issues and eliminating traditional policies, NGOs played a significant role in eliminatingpoverty.
Thefindingsreflect thattheNGOsdevelopmentinKPisessentialsinceithasapositivesocio-economicimpact onbeneficiaries/refugeesintermsofpromotingliberty,equality,andbrotherhood(SadruddinM.M.,2012).The findingsofanotherresearchalsoidentifiedthatcommunicationstrategiesusedbytheNGOsinKP/NWFPhelps inimprovingtherelationshipwithAfghanbeneficiaries(Ayaz,2005).ThesearevitalforNGOstobringchange inaccordancewiththeTheoryofChange(CentreforTheoryofChange,2015).Mehboob(2011)alsostatedthat the NGOs’ development in KP is a prominent feature for social mobilization of beneficiaries that make them liberal toraise the voices. However, these actions of NGOs cannot be always effective in KP, as projected by Talat(2014)thattheKPNGOsdidnotworkeffectivelyafterthecaseof9/11anddemotivatedthebeneficiaries sociallyandeconomicallyduetotheeducationalandsocialdistortivesystems.
Shahet al.,2018
Considering the Regime Theory, it has been identified that NGOs in KP are the major regimes of developing international relations through changing the behaviors of beneficiaries and local individuals to be cooperative. Theirmajorfocuson women empowermentthroughlaunchingAgaKhan Rural SupportProgram(AKRSP)has been the considerable strategy in the NWFP, as per Tahir (2014) illustrated, this not only reduced the gender discrimination through justice and equality, but it also increased beneficiaries/community’ participation in different programs. In opposition, several studies have revealed that very few NGOs in KP are working progressivelywhile most ofthem arenot assistingthe beneficiaries togrowsociallyand economicallythrough thedivisionofindividualgroupsoflocalpeopleandbeneficiaries(Wolf,2001). According to the agency theory, the dilemmas in the agency exist when a conflict of interest is evident. The samewasobservedintheresearchconductedbyKhan(2002),whichdeterminedthatconflictofinterestwasthe keyreason that povertyalleviation wasnot achieved. Thetheorysuggests that thisis due tomultiple principles conducting the project resulting in different objectives, which culminates the desire of fulfilling all the objectives. However, this is not accomplished and partial fulfilment is observed. According to Khan (2002) in coherence with the agency theory, specific targets should be laid as observed in the project undertaken in his researchsincethisspecificityallowedsuccessasobservedinthecaseofvillagedevelopment. Inaddition,Khan (2002) also indicated that after identifying that traditional policies are developing discrepancies in the objectives, government initiated working with NGOs giving them authority, which resulted in alleviation of povertyand less poor societyfor KP beneficiaries. NGOs have also been observed to playa significant role in developing KP especiallythe rural area as evident byagency theorysoon after comprehending that traditional policiesareawasteoftime. This study reinforces the claim of Talat (2014) and other researchers who have stated that NGOs have both positiveandadverseimpactson beneficiariesinKP,whichcreateanambiguoussituationfor government either to increase partnership with them or eliminate them to work as alternative. This is because if the situation of ineffectiveworkingoftheNGOsinKPforbeneficiariesisobservedthenthestategovernmentisresponsiblefor makingrational decisions. Further, thisresearch isan effort todisclose the greater extent ofpositive impacts of NGOs development in the case ofAfghanrefugees that changesthe people attitudetowards thecontribution of theseorganizations.
The analysis indicated that NGOs have both positive and negative impact on the beneficiaries of KP. For instance,researcherprojectedthatfocusingonthetheoryofchangeNGOshaveobservedtobeofthecauses of promotingpluralismaswellinKP.Thishasbeenmadepossiblebyworkingonthehumanvaluesandincreasing liberty, equality, bonding and brotherhood. In addition, NGOS have been observed to playasignificant role in developing KP especially in rural area especially the rural area as evident by agency theory soon after comprehendingthat tradition policies are waste oftime. regimetheory highlight that NGOS have observed tobeinfluentialpositivelyintermofeconomicandsocialdevelopment throughtheinclusionofchangingthe behavior ofmembers.InadditiontheoriesalsoidentifytheroleofNGOSindevelopingthepositiverelationship with Afghan beneficiaries. However, the research alsohighlighted the role of the NGOshad declined after the incidentsof9\11.ThissuddenfallinthepassionateendeavorsofNGOshasdemotivatedthebeneficiariesofKP bothsociallyandeconomically.
It is recommended that researchers willing to conduct research on this topic focus on a quantitative research since a potential lack of numerical analysis have been observed. On the other hand, it is necessary that the opinion ofNGOsandbeneficiariesshouldbenotedintermsoftheattemptsmadebyNGOsandregardingtheir sudden decline. Besides this, adifference of therole of NGO could also be observed in the context of thenew governmentinKP.
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