The Effect of Strategic Planning on Partnerships between Local Governmental Units and Non-Governmental Organizations in Palestine رسالة ماجستير

Abstract

The aim of this research is to the study the “Effect of Strategic Planning on Building Partnerships between Local governmental Units and Non- Governmental Organizations in Palestine” The sample size included two municipalities and two NGOs for the case studies, in depth desk review and interviews. In addition, further data was collected by the researcher from seven municipalities classified as A and B, two more NGOs in a form of survey. The study also aimed to study the effect of partnerships on service delivery by LGUs to citizens, and to build an LGU-NGO module. The research results revealed that there is a positive relationship between the existence of a Local Strategic development plan and building partnerships with NGOs, especially with the existence of a comprehensive operation plan that defines potential implementation partners based on community priorities and needs. The existence of the strategic local development plan leads to building partnerships with relevant NGOs which had a direct effect on the service delivery process to citizens. This is a result of the NGO support to LGUs by providing services within its development field, on either capacity building, awareness raising or joint implementation of activities. Which is part of the local strategic plan/ operation plan, based on mutual understanding and based on the willingness to cooperate of each party. All these factors lead to successful partnerships and eventually improved service delivery from LGUs towards the citizens. As the partnerships between LGUs and NGOs hasn’t been studied before, the researched recommends that this research is used as a base for further research, especially to capture the citizen perspective and evaluation of the partnership’s outcomes. The research also recommends that the National level highlights and promotes the importance of building VI partnerships between LGUs and NGOs for the sake of reaching the citizens in the most effective and efficient manner. Another recommendation is to have a fundraising and networking expert as part of the municipal structures who mainly work on networking and building partnerships with different stakeholders. Key