A Community of Practice for Chinese NGOs

Abstract

A community of practice represents an important resource for the sharing of sector-specific knowledge. Embracing a mature community of practice allows Chinese NGOs to forge networks to share best/worst practices, and foster common norms of conduct. This, in turn, offers a chance to increase the speed of professionalizing the sector, to the extent that there will be greater predictability in NGOs’ activities. Predictability is important since it increases the state’s trust of the NGO sector, and improves greater odds for soliciting external funding. Drawing upon original survey data elicited from over 100 NGOs, this article analyzes the organizational capacity for Chinese NGOs to cultivate a community of practice, and discusses the headwinds and challenges that will ensue.