Exploring Strategies for Effective Advocacy

248 Pages·2016·2.37 MB·English

by  Rubina F. Bhatti

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Rubina F. Bhatti
University of San Diego
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Bhatti, Rubina F., "Exploring Strategies for Effective Advocacy: The Lived Experience of Leaders of
Pakistani Non-Governmental Organizations" (2015). Dissertations. 27.
https://digital.sandiego.edu/dissertations/27
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EXPLORING STRATEGIES FOR EFFECTIVE ADVOCACY:
THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF LEADERS OF PAKISTANI NON-GOVERNMENTAL
ORGANIZATIONS

by

Rubina F. Bhatti

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the degree of

Doctor of Philosophy

December 2015

Dissertation Committee

Robert Donmoyer, Ph.D., Chair
Lea Hubbard, Ph.D., Member
William O. Lowrey, Ph.D., Member

University of San Diego
© Rubina Feroze Bhatti, 2015
All Rights Reserved
ABSTRACT

Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) have increasingly been recognized as
influential players in world politics and international development. Despite limited
financial resources and having to rely on volunteers who often lack formal training,
NGOs’ advocacy work has often been highly effective. Since the beginning of the 1990s,
it has resulted in both the formulation of new policies and the cancellation or
modification of existing ones.
Advocacy work by NGOs is especially important in countries like Pakistan
because deep-rooted injustices and discrimination are unlikely to change without pressure
from NGOs. This study investigated the strategies used by five NGO leaders for
effective advocacy work in the Pakistani context. The study specifically examined (a)
how NGO leaders attempted to influence the external environment and the impact of their
attempts, (b) leaders’ efforts internally to create effective advocacy organizations, and (c)
strategies NGO leaders used to nurture their personal capacity for effective leadership
both within their own organizations and in the external advocacy arena.
This exploratory qualitative study focused on five Pakistani NGO leaders. A
combination of convenience, maximum variation and snowball sampling was employed
to identify the five leaders. Using qualitative methodologies, this study relied upon
document analysis and two extended interviews with each research participant. The
findings of this study are presented in two forms: (a) a narrative for each of the NGO
leaders developed from the transcribed data through a process Polkinghorne calls
narrative analysis and (b) a cross-case analysis that employed what Polkinghorne
characterizes as an analysis of narrative approach. The analysis of narrative was built
around five categories derived inductively from the data about the advocacy process in
Pakistan and its impact on both the society and individuals.
The study documented, among other things, how the leaders determined their
effectiveness and the various strategies they employed to manage their own lives so their
advocacy work can be effectively sustained in a challenging environment. The results
further demonstrated the importance of leaders nurturing NGO staff members and
demonstrated how the five leaders approached this task. Finally, implications for
practice, policy and future research were discussed.
DEDICATION

To my beloved brother Kamran, without whom I would not be a leader.
You made me who I am.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
My doctorate work and the completion of this dissertation have been one of the
toughest journeys of my life, one that would not have been possible without the support
of the following:
Dr. Robert Donmoyer, my advisor and advocate, who did not cower at obstacles
and believed in me against all odds.
Dr. William O. Lowery, my mentor and fellow peacebuilder, who served on my
committee and made a way for me where there was none in sight, and Dr. Lea Hubbard,
who helped me shape this study with her unique insights and probing questions as my
committee member.
Kaitlin Barker Davis and Peggy Burns, loyal friends who are always there when I
am most in need.
My classmates, fellow travelers on the journey of leadership.
Father Sohail Patrick, who has supported me in my work since the beginning,
keeping our organization running when I could not be in Pakistan and most especially
after the death of my brother Kamran Bhatti.
My family and particularly my brother, who have stood steadfastly beside me
over the years, despite the challenges and risks of my work. Though Kamran is no longer
here to see me complete this journey, he has never ceased to be my inspiration and
encouragement. He is with me always, and I have finished this journey for him.
Finally, I wish to express my deep appreciation to the five study participants for
sharing their time, their insights, and their trust.
vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS…………………………………………………….………..vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS………………………………………………….……………viii
LIST OF TABLES………………………………………………………………...….…xvi
LIST OF FIGURES………………………………………...…………...……………...xvii
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION…………………..…………………………………1
Background of the Study………………………..………………………………...2
Statement of the Problem……………………….….……………………………...5
NGO leaders and theory of change………..………………………………5
NGO leaders and contextual influences…….……………………………..6
NGO leaders and dearth of research…………..…………………………..7
Purpose of this Study and Research Questions………..…………………………..9
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW……………………………………………11
Defining the Sector: Civil Society, Nonprofit Organizations or NGOs…………12
An Overview of Pakistani NGOs: Challenges vs. Opportunities………………..16
First generation NGOs (1947-1977) ………………………………..…...17
Second generation NGOs (1977-1992)…………………………….…….19
Third generation NGOs (1992 Onward)…………………………………21
NGO Leaders in Developing Countries: Influences and Strategies…………......23
Key external factors impacting NGO leaders strategies …………...........24
Key internal factors impacting NGO leaders strategies …………………32
Theorizing Advocacy…………………………………………………………….38
viii
Definitions and concepts of advocacy……………………………….......38
Activities and types of advocacy…………………….…………………..44
Strategies and tactics of advocacy…………………………………….....48
Assessing Advocacy……………………………………………………………..50
Theories of change……………………………………………………….51
Logic model……………………………………………………………...54
Perspectives on Social Capital……………………………………………….......55
Positive utility of social capital…………………………………….........57
Negative utility of social capital ………………………………………..58
Perspectives on Resilience……………………………………………………....58
Conclusion……………………………………………………………………….60
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY………………………………………………..62
Research Questions………………………………………………………………62
Research Design………………………………………………………………….63
Participants……………………………………………………………………….65
Criterion sampling……………………………………………………….67
Maximum variation sampling……………………………………………68
Convenience and snowball sampling…………………………………….68
Data Collection Methods…………………………………………………….......69
Document collection……………………………………………………..69
Interviews…………. ………………………………………………….…70
ix
Data Analysis Procedures………………………………………………………..72
Narrative analysis procedures: The first phase…………………………..72
Analysis of narrative procedures: The second phase…………………….75
Ethical Considerations…………………………………………………………...76
Credibility and Dependability Issues………………………………………….…77
CHAPTER FOUR: NARRATIVE ANALYSIS—STORIES OF FIVE NGO
LEADERS………………………………………………………………………………..79

Rehana: A Frontline Human Rights Defender………………………….…..........80
Embracing advocacy work…………………………………………….…80
The first job: A saga of accomplishment in the face of resistance...........81
A new environment, new organizations, and new challenges….………..82
Working within the government and as a conduit between the government
and the NGO Community………………………………………..………83

The bottom-line concern………………………………..………………..84
Falling out of favor………………………………………………………85
Resilience has been her ornament since childhood…………….…...........86
Peter: “We Are Carrying the Legacy”……………………….…………..............88
Little feet marching for a big cause…………………...………………....88
Making a conscious move towards advocacy……………………………89
Broadening the horizon, bridging the divide……………………………90
A difficult balance…………………………………………….…………91
Paying the price of advocacy work………………………………….…..92
x