Civil Society in a Connected World
The Crossing Borders Research Lab investigates how civil society organizations and communities transcend physical, digital, and social boundaries to drive positive change.
KC Commons
Knowledge Center
Latest Publications
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Decolonize Civil Society Research
We propose a new collaborative model based on critical reflexivity, radical equality, and reciprocal feedback, where all team members have equal input on research decisions and authorship, and research outputs are made accessible to Southern scholars. While this approach may slow down the research process, we contend it produces more reliable and accurate findings while…
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Tensions between Materiality Assessments and Stakeholder Engagements in Thai Corporate Sustainability Leaders
This study analyzes how top Thai companies perform materiality assessments and engage stakeholders in sustainability reporting, based on the Global Reporting Initiative framework. Findings show that while companies identify material topics and stakeholders thoroughly, engagement is often superficial and lacks detailed impact disclosures, limiting effective reporting and stakeholder engagement.
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Cultivating an Innovation Imperative: Rethinking NGO Governance for a Changing Nepal
Nepal’s civil society, with over 60,000 NGOs, significantly impacts development in healthcare, education, and social justice. However, declining foreign aid and emerging market-based solutions threaten their traditional roles. This article emphasizes the need for innovative governance to enhance resource acquisition and oversight, urging NGOs to adapt and prioritize creativity to thrive in a changing environment.
Our research areas
Bridging boundaries for social change today & tomorrow
At the intersection of local action and global connection, the Crossing Borders Lab studies how communities and organizations navigate an interconnected world. Our research explores the evolution of civil society, digital inequality, and cross-border civic engagement, with particular focus on the Asia-Pacific region. We examine how traditional boundaries – geographic, digital, and social – are being reshaped by new forms of organization and collaboration.
Governance of Civil Society
Examines how civil society organizations develop and implement governance practices at local, national, and transnational levels. This research investigates the interplay between internal organizational structures, external accountability, and community impact. We study how organizations adapt their governance models to balance multiple stakeholder demands while maintaining effectiveness and legitimacy in diverse cultural contexts.
Evolution of Civil Society
Maps the changing patterns and adaptation strategies of civil society organizations across time and space. This research analyzes how organizations evolve in response to shifting social, political, and economic contexts. We study geographical differences in organizational development, focusing on how local conditions and global trends shape civil society’s transformation.
Diaspora Civic Engagement
Studies how diaspora communities maintain civic connections and contribute to social change across borders. Our research examines the role of digital technologies in enabling transnational civic participation, the impact of diaspora networks on local development, and the emergence of new forms of cross-border social innovation. We focus on understanding how diaspora engagement reshapes traditional concepts of community and citizenship.
Digital Inequality and Education
Investigates the complex relationship between digital access, educational outcomes, and social mobility in the Asia-Pacific region. Our research explores how digital divides shape learning opportunities, focusing on institutional responses, policy interventions, and innovative solutions for inclusive education. We examine both technological infrastructure and social factors that influence digital participation and learning outcomes.
Ethics & Social Responsibility
Examines how organizations translate ethical commitments into tangible practices and meaningful stakeholder communication across diverse business contexts. This research investigates the relationship between organizational values, governance structures, and social impact measurement. We study how businesses develop and maintain legitimacy while implementing social responsibility initiatives that respond to evolving stakeholder expectations and cultural differences.
Leadership & Representation
Examines leadership diversity and cross-sectoral transitions within civil society organizations in South and Southeast Asia. This research analyzes how leadership composition influences organizational effectiveness and investigates patterns of mobility between civil society, government, and private sectors. We study how representation across different social groups shapes organizational priorities and community impact.
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Journal Articles
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Op-Eds
5+
Research reports
700+
Organizations
Collaborate with us
We welcome collaborations with researchers, practitioners, and organizations interested in understanding and strengthening civil society across Asia. Whether you’re a graduate student exploring nonprofit governance, an organization interested in studying leadership transitions, or a practitioner working on social innovation, we’d love to hear from you.