Religious vs. Secular NGOs: A Case for Differentiated Study Through an Institutional Isomorphism Lens

Abstract

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a vital role in addressing societal issues, often filling gaps left by state and corporate institutions. Existing literature tends to overlook key differences between secular and religious NGOs, especially when discussing the non-profit field’s exhibition of corporate institutional isomorphism. This paper compares the largest—by published IRS revenue—ten secular and ten religious international development organizations through analysis of leadership backgrounds and organization websites, finding significant differences in secular and religious leadership’s past work experiences, as well as distinctive organizational self-concepts described on the organizations’ websites. This paper advocates for a more nuanced research approach that evaluates religious affiliation’s effect on isomorphic tendencies in order to more accurately understand the NGO field.