A Qualitative Study of Typology and Rationality Governing Non-Governmental Organizations (Studied by Harandi Neighborhood in Tehran)

Due to the many social harms, Harandi neighborhood is an arena for many non-governmental organizations to enter, which have created opportunities and, of course, threats.The present study is the result of 18 months of field study aimed at typology of NGOs in Harandi based on the nature, functions, and identifying the rationality of them. For this purpose, we observed, interviewed and formed focus discussion groups with the public and 14 active NGOs. The results show that, from a typological point of view, Harandi falls into the category of "other profitable" ones. Their main functions include the learning function has serious weaknesses because it has not been able to accumulate its knowledge transfer to other generations or groups.  Empowerment does not usually happen completely, and people do not connect to the job market. In addition, NGOs present in Harandi, as an example of such organizations in the country, have not yet been able to define their relationship with the community. A review of the typology, functions, and organizational rationality can greatly alleviate this shortcoming.