| Summary: | There is widespread recognition of the central role played by non-governmental organisations in a modern pluralistic society, together with a growing realisation that the participation of NGOs an enhance the democratic process, as well as provide many services more effectively than governmental bodies. However, such a model of NGO role tends to be based on western, first world experience; its uncritical application to a third world context may entail unforeseen problems if local cultural, political and economic factors are inadequately understood. The lack of research on Jordanian NGOs makes it desirable to start by analysing their present status and exploring their relationship with the government. This research has reviewed the mainly western literature on NGOs, as well as literature on NGOs in the Arab world, and then has gone on to describe the political, economic and social context in which Jordanian NGOs have to operate. The results of a survey conducted on a stratified random sample of 76 NGOs in Jordan are presented in addition to in-depth interviews with policy makers, NGO representatives and experts in the field. The rational for a combination of both qualitative and quantitative investigative methods as deemed appropriate to the Jordanian context and to the topic of the research are presented. The research reveals that several factors affect the relationship between the public and NGO sectors; these include political, managerial, structural, financial and legal issues. The main findings of the research show that NGOs in Jordan rely mainly on a relief and service delivery approach, which is understandable in the light of the political and economic situation in the country since its establishment. This thrust negates an active advocacy role for NGOs. Both NGOs and the government believe it is necessary to amend the current law governing the establishment and existence of NGOs, reflecting a general tendency that appears often in the research in which both NGO and governmental representatives express their wish for an improvement on the present NGO-government relationship, without necessarily changing it.
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