| This dissertation examines the success and sustainability of international transfers of human services models in five NGOs in Hungary. In the transitional democracies of Central and Eastern Europe an increasing number of NGOs have claimed their place in social service provision. Supported by an influx of foreign aid, they have often looked for models outside their countries. These initiatives have often survived only while the external funding was available.;Drawing on the literature of technology transfer, evidence-based practices, implementation, and international development, this exploratory case study examines the characteristics and defining attributes of success/sustainability of model transfer and five contributing variables of the social aspect: 1) Identification of Need, 2) Values and Philosophy, 3) Investment in People, 4) Business Approach, 5) Management and Evaluation. Using key informant interviews, a survey, and document reviews it documents and critically examines the experiences and views of personnel at five Hungarian NGOs.;The research findings reveal that the main differentiating factor in the success of the model transfer is the importing NGO's focus on the model, the organization, and its relationship with the exporting NGO during the early years of the model transfer. Intentionally managing the differences that arose from the dissimilar cultural contexts and value sets of the source and the destination countries is also shown to be a critical factor.;The importing NGO's focus on the "just manageable" quantities of work in dealing with the operating environment has relevance in other areas in the international development field. The study also identifies and finds support for the factors that contribute to the success of model transfers, and it operationalizes the "socio" aspect of the transfer process, which will allow for the development of a testable framework of transnational model transfers. |
