Degree Name

MA in International and Intercultural Management

First Advisor

Charles Curry-Smithson

Abstract

As Southern non-governmental organizations (NGOs) grow and blossom, Northern NGOs need to reconsider their roles in international development so that the needs of the neediest will be best served. Sending resources from developed countries to developing countries is not enough to bring us to a world without hunger. People need to start asking questions such as: why are there people dying from hunger when there is enough food to feed the whole planet? And, what are the root causes behind this unjust situation? Thus, global education is one of the tasks necessary to be incorporated in NGOs' operations if they are serious about attacking the root causes of poverty. For some NGOs based in developed countries like the United States, however, the transition to an organizational emphasis on global education is proving difficult. Following a review of the relevant literature, this paper first examines variables which are significant for Northern NGOs in transforming themselves to third and fourth generations of development-oriented NGOs as defined by David Korten. Overseas Development Network (ODN) and World Vision are compared as case studies. Then, the impact of global education is evaluated based on in-depth interviews with ODN's constituents. The analysis suggests that these constituents are the key for the transformation towards an educational emphasis. The interview results show a common recognition of the importance of working domestically for international development. This illuminates both the value and meaning of global education and the future direction Northern NGOs must pursue.

Disciplines

International and Comparative Education | Other Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration

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