A Global Field Experiment Motivating INGOs to Evaluate Impact

• In Event: Transnational Politics of International Non-Governmental Organization Behavior

Abstract

In a global email field experiment using 27,000 organizations as subjects, we tested the effects of different embedded encouragements on INGOs’ response rates to a sincere invitation to consider a partnership in a randomized evaluation. Credibility conditions randomly assigned the authors of the email invitation as university professors touting past experience working with high-profile development organizations compared to students working with obscure groups. Information conditions included attractiveness to donors, social proof of other INGO behavior, proposed redefinition as “learning organizations,” international reputation, and scientific rigor – all compared to control. Credibility, social proof, and reputational concerns significantly increased responses; mention of learning organizations, donor interests, and scientific rigor produced precisely estimated null results.

Authors

• Daniel L. Nielson, Brigham Young University

• Eliza Riley, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)