059. Potential and peril when NGOs aspire to use a network structure: Doris Bäsler, formerly @ Oxfam

SummaryWhat are the strengths of a confederated nonprofit organizational structure and what are its inherent weaknesses and limitations?What is a ‘diversified network’ type of organizational structure?To what extent does having a confederated organizational structure, as well as the aspiration to be a diversified network, Impact the nature, legitimacy, adaptability, and quality of decision-making?In this NGO Soul+Strategy podcast episode, I interview Doris Bäsler, formerly Oxfam, on the potential and peril when NGOs aspire to use a network structureDoris’ Bio:Right now, Doris is resting, learning, and volunteering in Berlin, GermanyFormer Director for Strategy & Feminist Futures and Strategy & Confederation Development at Oxfam InternationalFormer Director for Organisational Development services at Transparency International, as well as head of capacity servicesWorked at Mines Advisory Group (MAG)Former Head of office as well as other roles at the country level for the International Committee for the Red Cross We discuss: The path by which Oxfam chose a confederated organizational structureThe differences between federated, confederated and corporate unitary structures, and the strengths as well as challenges of confederated structures – and how it is all about places on a spectrumHow Oxfam got stuck for a while in discussing the choice of a federated versus confederated model – and how the aspiration of a ‘diversified network’ came upA diversified network implies that there is diversification of voice: not just global South members, but also non-Christian affiliates, greater recognition of the primacy of Africa within Oxfam, diversification of affiliate business models, etcHow Oxfam tried to prevent the creation of a lot of “mini me’s”The implications for internal systems of decision making, valuing of different forms of knowledge, assets etcQuality Decision making can be challenging in a diversified network like Oxfam, but if the values and the ‘why’ and purpose are clear, this helps Quotes: “Complexity of organizational structure is not inherently negative, if you understand it”“Being a diversified network is an imperative, not a nice to have in a world within which power is clearly shifting”Resources:Doris’s LinkedIn profileDoris’ EmailRelated Blogpost Youtube video of this podcastClick here to subscribe to be alerted when new podcast episodes come out or when Tosca produces other thought leadership pieces.Or email Tosca at tosca@5oaksconsulting.org if you want to talk about your social sector organization’s needs, challenges, and opportunities.You can find Tosca’s content by following her on her social media channels: