Multinational enterprise—Nongovernmental organization partnerships: A case study of Accor and the Parada Foundation

The influence of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) has increased in recent years, pressuring both multinational enterprises (MNEs) and governments to be more conscious of social issues. For this and other reasons, partnerships between NGOs and MNEs have become common. However, most studies of this phenomenon have focused on conflict in African countries and the role they can play in promoting reconciliation and peace. This work focuses on a less explored theme, analyzing the role such partnerships can play in an economically developed country. Here we look at how a partnership between a French owned multinational hotel group—Accor—and a Romanian NGO—The Parada Foundation—helped marginalized young people living on the streets of Bucharest. The paper examines the intricacies of MNE–NGO partnerships, and indicates how both may benefit from it. It concludes with some practical guidelines on the strategies that can be used to create a win–win relationship.