Core competences in non-governmental organizations: A case study

The aim of this study is to suggest the importance of core competences in the success of nongovernmental organizations. Accordingly, an answer is searched regarding with which activities successful non-governmental organizations can sustain their lives, and whether the core competencies are influential in this success. Çaǧdas. Drama Derneǧi (Contemporary Drama Association), a nongovernmental organization which has continued its activities by competing with profit organizations in the field of creative drama in Turkey for twenty years has been examined in depth with the sample case method. The examination has been conducted through interviews, archive scanning and participant observation. The works of the association have been observed on-site and by participating in the activities, the obtained data have been evaluated within the scope of the research. Its core competence, decision making groups of the society in the domain of education and arts, its other nongovernmental organizations, led by higher education institutions have come forth as establishing result-oriented relationships and relationship management. It is considered that the core competency of the organization, as differentiating competitive ability and competitive power, has provided a competitive edge over its competitors.