BRAC is a phenomenal story: a multinational, path-breaking NGO that emerged from the developing world itself. When we ask who is responsible for shoring up human rights that are the result of dire poverty -- and in particular, of taking on this task when local governments can't or won't -- Brac is often the answer. But as Rachael noted, Brac very success raises interesting issues. They are so prominent in some domains traditionally handled by governments, that their legitimacy becomes an open question. Another major challenge for this organization (one that would arise if this case were used in an organizational behavior or ethics course) concerns the challenge of succession: how much of the success of this organization is owed to its brilliant and charismatic leader, and how can they continue to thrive when he steps aside?
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The late Arthur Helton, who was director of peace and conflict studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, and Gil Loescher, published this interesting commentary on NGOs and Governments in a New Humanitarian Landscape in 2003. They raise questions that remain vitally important to a discussion of the subject.
Might be worth looking at.
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