ABSTRACT

In existing research and discussions, no distinction has been made between the autonomy and the independence of Chinese NGOs. Although these two words have similar meanings and are often used interchangeably, differentiating one from the other is crucial for understanding the nature and behaviour of Chinese NGOs. In the Oxford English Dictionary, ‘autonomy’ is defined as follows: ‘of a state, institution, etc.: the right of self-government, of making its own laws and administering its own affairs.’ The various meanings of ‘independent’, on the other hand, include ‘not depending on something else for its existence, validity, efficiency, operation, or some other attribute’; ‘not contingent on or conditioned by anything else’; ‘not dependent or having to rely on another for support or supplies’. Clearly, an organization can be self-governing and administering its own affairs, while at the same time dependent on other organizations for validity, efficiency, support and supplies, etc. Autonomy does not necessitate independence, and dependence does not preclude autonomy.