Business – NGO Partnerships in Hungary: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine eight business-NGO collaborations in Hungary, with the aim of evaluating their objectives, governance, and impact. In 2013, interviews were conducted with experts from the participating partners, and a thorough review of historical records, official documents, and media coverage was carried out. A follow-up evaluation of publicly accessible resources was conducted in 2023. The findings from 2013 revealed that these cross-sectoral partnerships primarily involved volunteering, with joint development and problem-solving in regional and educational sectors playing a lesser role. The partnerships varied in scope, ranging from smaller projects with short-term goals to more extensive collaborations. However, partner selection in these partnerships did not adhere to the features commonly observed in international literature and practices. By 2023, all but one of the original case study partnerships had been terminated, and there were no signs of sustained activities. Some of the NGOs involved in the partnerships underwent significant changes during this time. The termination of these partnerships was largely due to a lack of long-term strategic intent or commitment from the corporate partners. This study represents the first longitudinal research into cross-sectoral partnerships in Hungary.