An evaluation of RBM implementation in not-for-profit sector of Zimbabwe during COVID-19

Background: Results-based management (RBM) aims to enhance accountability, transparency and effectiveness in the allocation and utilisation of resources. In the not-for-profit sector, particularly among non-governmental organisations (NGOs), RBM has been pivotal in ensuring interventions are aligned...

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Main Authors: Wellington Mushayi, Javaid Dar, Mubanga Mpundu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AOSIS 2025-01-01
Series:African Evaluation Journal
Subjects:
Online Access:https://aejonline.org/index.php/aej/article/view/771
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author Wellington Mushayi
Javaid Dar
Mubanga Mpundu
author_facet Wellington Mushayi
Javaid Dar
Mubanga Mpundu
author_sort Wellington Mushayi
collection DOAJ
description Background: Results-based management (RBM) aims to enhance accountability, transparency and effectiveness in the allocation and utilisation of resources. In the not-for-profit sector, particularly among non-governmental organisations (NGOs), RBM has been pivotal in ensuring interventions are aligned with organisational goals and community needs, thereby maximising impact. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted the not-for-profit sector in Zimbabwe by causing unprecedented challenges such as restrictions on movement, supply chain disruptions and economic downturns. Objectives: This study examines the impact of the pandemic on the implementation of RBM within the not-for-profit sector in Zimbabwe. Method: A concurrent mixed methods approach was employed, using a survey of 190 not-for-profit organisations (NPOs), in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with NPO staff. Results: The findings reveal essential influences of COVID-19 on NPOs’ ability to implement RBM, identifying key factors influencing effectiveness during the pandemic, including organisational flexibility, donor support and communication strategies. Additionally, it highlights the need for strengthened capacities, such as data analysis skills and potentially adjusted incentive structures to support effective RBM. Conclusion: The study underscores the inherent challenges of RBM during a crisis, including uncertainty, competing priorities and the potential focus on short-term relief. Contribution: This research contributes to a greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities for NPOs implementing RBM during a global crisis. The findings offer valuable insights for NPOs, donors and policymakers to strengthen RBM practices and ensure continued effectiveness in achieving impactful results.
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spelling doaj-art-9c31a1f682af4303849cefbed4ce8da42025-02-11T13:21:34ZengAOSISAfrican Evaluation Journal2310-49882306-51332025-01-01131e1e1110.4102/aej.v13i1.771225An evaluation of RBM implementation in not-for-profit sector of Zimbabwe during COVID-19Wellington Mushayi0Javaid Dar1Mubanga Mpundu2Graduate School of Business, University of Zambia, LusakaGovernment Degree College, KokernagDepartment of Economics, University of the Western Cape, Cape TownBackground: Results-based management (RBM) aims to enhance accountability, transparency and effectiveness in the allocation and utilisation of resources. In the not-for-profit sector, particularly among non-governmental organisations (NGOs), RBM has been pivotal in ensuring interventions are aligned with organisational goals and community needs, thereby maximising impact. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted the not-for-profit sector in Zimbabwe by causing unprecedented challenges such as restrictions on movement, supply chain disruptions and economic downturns. Objectives: This study examines the impact of the pandemic on the implementation of RBM within the not-for-profit sector in Zimbabwe. Method: A concurrent mixed methods approach was employed, using a survey of 190 not-for-profit organisations (NPOs), in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with NPO staff. Results: The findings reveal essential influences of COVID-19 on NPOs’ ability to implement RBM, identifying key factors influencing effectiveness during the pandemic, including organisational flexibility, donor support and communication strategies. Additionally, it highlights the need for strengthened capacities, such as data analysis skills and potentially adjusted incentive structures to support effective RBM. Conclusion: The study underscores the inherent challenges of RBM during a crisis, including uncertainty, competing priorities and the potential focus on short-term relief. Contribution: This research contributes to a greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities for NPOs implementing RBM during a global crisis. The findings offer valuable insights for NPOs, donors and policymakers to strengthen RBM practices and ensure continued effectiveness in achieving impactful results.https://aejonline.org/index.php/aej/article/view/771results-based managementperformance managementoutcome-based approachresults-oriented planningcovid-19 pandemic
spellingShingle Wellington Mushayi
Javaid Dar
Mubanga Mpundu
An evaluation of RBM implementation in not-for-profit sector of Zimbabwe during COVID-19
African Evaluation Journal
results-based management
performance management
outcome-based approach
results-oriented planning
covid-19 pandemic
title An evaluation of RBM implementation in not-for-profit sector of Zimbabwe during COVID-19
title_full An evaluation of RBM implementation in not-for-profit sector of Zimbabwe during COVID-19
title_fullStr An evaluation of RBM implementation in not-for-profit sector of Zimbabwe during COVID-19
title_full_unstemmed An evaluation of RBM implementation in not-for-profit sector of Zimbabwe during COVID-19
title_short An evaluation of RBM implementation in not-for-profit sector of Zimbabwe during COVID-19
title_sort evaluation of rbm implementation in not for profit sector of zimbabwe during covid 19
topic results-based management
performance management
outcome-based approach
results-oriented planning
covid-19 pandemic
url https://aejonline.org/index.php/aej/article/view/771
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