ECON 462(S) The Economics of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
NGOs have played an increasingly important role in the provision of relief and development programs in developing countries. They have become key partners for the donor community and, as a result, an increasing fraction of foreign aid has been channelled through international and local NGOs. This seminar will survey recent theoretical and empirical economic literature on NGOs. Topics will include: should governments contract out public good provision to NGOs? when are NGOs more desirable public good providers than for-profit firms? why do most NGOs operate under a not-for-profit status? what is the role of employees' intrinsic motivation? NGOs and donors; the commercialization of NGOs; NGOs and politics.
Evaluation will be based on: four short papers (4 to 6 pages,), each critically reviewing a paper on the reading list; one final paper (7 to 10 pages) which will be either an essay reviewing papers around one particular issue, or an independent research paper (for those interested).
Prerequisites: Economics 251, Economics 253 or 255 or the equivalent. Enrollment limit:19 (expected 19). Preference to senior majors.
Hour: LY