A working model towards promoting corporate governance best practices in ZIMBABWE’s NGO sector: A case of the WOMEN’S COALITION OF ZIMBABWE (WCoZ).

Abstract

This study sought to investigate corporate governance practices in Zimbabwe’s Non- Governmental Organisations (NGO) Sector and propose a working model that promotes corporate governance best practices in the sector. This research was influenced by the rise in cases of poor corporate governance in the NGO sector and the resultant hostility by the government towards NGOs branding all Civil Society Organisations (CSO) as misplaced and lacking professionalism in their work with communities and resource management. The study utilized a qualitative methodology approach to collect qualitative data through questionnaires and in-depth interviews collecting data from 51 respondents out of a sample of 70 participants drawn from the women’s coalition of Zimbabwe membership, staff and partners. Research findings revealed that while efforts have been made to come up with one model in Zimbabwe, there is no working model that promotes corporate governance best practices in Zimbabwe’s NGO sector, specifically for Women-Led Organisations (WLO). The study further revealed that while at the individual level, NGOs across the world have adopted policies and strategies to practice good governance, the approaches are different and situational depending on the size, level, and operating context of the institution, there is no specific model designed for WLO NGOs. Available literature indicates the existence of NGO codes of governance in countries like Botswana, South Africa, and China among others however there is no agreement as to what can best work to influence best practices in NGOs as there are still various views on what should constitute best practices, or if at all best practices exist. While many of the codes are voluntary, for effective implementation, countries such as China and South Africa have created their codes around NGO governance laws. However, there is still no agreed position as to whether the NGO industry should have one generic code of governance or what should shape any of these codes. Major findings on best practices for good governance include ones that take into consideration the differences in age, stage, size, area of operations, environment, and sources of funding. Some scholars have suggested context-specific, culturally relevant, and enforceable models of good governance.This study has proposed a working model for NGO corporate governance best practices in Zimbabwe.