This thesis examines the key conditions for successful collaboration between businesses and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in international development partnerships based on a qualitative study of 7 case studies from the Dutch private and non-governmental sector. Through an extensive literature review and case studies, the thesis identifies several core elements that influence the degree of success of Business-NGO partnerships, including resource exchange, communication, leadership, trust, and a learning culture. The thesis concludes by providing a framework to guide partner organizations' interactions and provide key conditions for their successful collaboration.

1. Key conditions for successful collaboration in Business-NGO partnerships
in International Development
A qualitative research with 7 case studies from the Dutch private and non-governmental sector
Master Thesis
This thesis is submitted for obtaining
the Joint Master’s Degree in
International Humanitarian Action. By
submitting the thesis, the author
certifies that the text is from her own
hand, does not include the work of
someone else unless clearly indicated,
and that the thesis has been produced in
accordance with proper academic
practices.
Author
Willemijn Brouwer
S1955322
Supervisors
Dr. Liesbet Heyse
Dr. María Cristinade la Cruz
Ayuso
Date:
January 30th, 2016

2. Abstract
Acceptance of the private sector as a legitimate actor in the international development arena has
grown in the last decade. This has blurred the boundaries between the work of businesses and
traditional actors in the development sector, such as NGOs. While the backgrounds and
objectives of these organizations are traditionally different, the variety of knowledge, resources
and capabilities in different fields can also lead to complementarity and synergy when they
cooperate for shared objectives. This ability for co-creation shows the enormous potential for
partnerships among businesses and NGOs. Nevertheless, it should be emphasized that the
implementation of a partnership is hard work and success is not guaranteed when a
Memorandum of Understanding has been signed. Several issues are salient and deserve careful
consideration when partners commit themselves to joint objectives. This research focuses on
several core and contextual elements, such as Resource Exchange, Communication, Leadership,
Trust and a Learning Culture, that influence the degree of success of a Business-NGO
partnership. It incorporates an extensive literature review and the elaboration of seven case
studies from the Dutch private and non-governmental sector. We conclude with a recipe that
guides partner organizations in their interaction as it provides key conditions for their
successful collaboration.
Key search terms: Business-NGO Partnership, Cross-sector Collaboration, International
Development, Successful Implementation, Key conditions, CSR initiatives