Framing contests in global NGO networks: How controversies enable and challenge collaboration and action. Issue 3 (4th December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pesqueira, Luli; Glasbergen, Pieter; Leroy, Pieter
• Is Part Of: Nonprofit management & leadership. Volume 30:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 423
• Page End: 444
• Publication Date: 2019-12-04
• Subjects: collaboration -- controversy -- framing -- networks -- NGOs; Nonprofit organizations -- Management -- Periodicals; Nonprofit organizations -- Periodicals; 658.048
• DOI: 10.1002/nml.21395
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1048-6682

Abstract

Abstract: In multistakeholder sustainability initiatives, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) need not only to negotiate with actors from other sectors, but also with other NGOs. Taking a framing perspective, this study examines how NGOs engage in framing contests because of their collaborative attitude toward the private sector. Through an analysis of Oxfam's participation in the Shrimp Aquaculture Dialogues, the paper examines the interplay between NGOs that propose and oppose certification as a viable strategy for ensuring sustainability in the farmed shrimp sector. The results show that controversies among NGO groups related prognostic framing (i.e., regarding the proposed solution to a problem) are characterized by specific ontological and normative attributes. The paper offers NGOs strategies for dealing with such controversies and shows that, depending on the nature of the controversy, engaging in framing contests might enlarge or constrain the roles that an NGO is able to play in a multistakeholder setting, particularly, when it comes to preserving its independence while securing interdependence with others.