Non-profit organizations, NGOs and other third sector organizations are increasingly playing a central role in achieving and sustaining a prosperous economy and a just civil society in countries around the world. While their importance is widely acknowledged, their sustainability is not guaranteed and depends to a large extent on effectiveness and accountability of their governance.


In Europe and North America, the governance of these organizations (setting directions and strategies; identifying and ensuring type and quality of goods and services; defining and maintaining relations among the stakeholders; relating the organization to its wider society) is generally seen as the role of the board of directors or the governing board. In of other parts of the world, specifically Asia, not much is known about the organization and running of these groups.


The book – the first of its kind – establishes new theory and knowledge in the area of third sector organizations (TSOs) in Asia. The main purpose of this book is to draw the attention of Asia's TSOs on the importance of good governance. It documents variety of approaches, and identifies socio-cultural, economic, and political dynamics and impacts of different models of TSO governance. The combined information from the contributions in this work will ensure the sustainability of TSOs throughout Asia.