Influencing Factors on Emerging Capabilities of Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (ENGOs): Using Grounded Theory

The emergence of ENGOs represents an organized response by civil society for environmental protection particularly where the government has failed to fulfill it properly. ENGOs have many functions and roles that by them empower communities and ultimately help to achieve sustainable development. The purpose of this study was to construct a theory that explores how capabilities of ENGOs emerge. This study intended to answer three questions (a) under what causal, contextual, and intervening conditions capabilities of ENGOs emerge? (b) What are interactions due the emerging capabilities of ENGOs, and (c) What are consequences of interactions? To answer these questions, grounded theory methodology was used. Data was obtained from multiple sources, including interview with 30 managers of ENGOs and 11 environmental experts in environmental protection organization and forests, range and watershed management organization in Iran and 5 meetings of the board of directors meeting. Another part of data extracted from second hand information sources such as published research findings, topics quoted from interviews and field notes. Findings of the research indicated that knowledge management, creativity and innovation, organizational culture, effective leadership, and entrepreneurship as causal conditions impact on emerging capabilities of ENGOs. Flexible structure, institutional capacities, and strategic planning as contextual conditions and governmental supports and commitment and loyalty to the organization as intervening conditions in addition to emerging capabilities of ENGOs influence the interactions of ENGOs with target groups, other ENGOs, government and donor agencies. Finally, social capital building, empowering of target groups, accountability and sustainability are consequences of these interactions that facilitate achieving sustainable development.