Ashraf Mikhail Website

In the past two decades the traditional and historical organizational behaviour, operation and work methods have changed significantly through the application of the various forms of Information and Communication technology (ICT) tools increasingly available. This includes, as a minimum even among the most local and grass-roots organizations, the use of computer and mobile telephones, which have become strong communication tools.

The possibility of applying ICT tools provides a new way for organisations to move beyond normal restrictions in e.g. the legal environment and creates a huge opportunity for associations to exercise their rights. One example is the start up of new political parties in Egypt from Facebook. The use of ICT, e.g. website and e-mail as well as social fora also shortens the way for interaction with (i.e. both to and from) policy makers as well as with the constituency of the organization, necessitating the adoption of new strategies for advocacy and communication in order to fully utilize these new opportunities.

However, ICT has also opened up for new violation to be dealt with e.g. in relation to privacy related issues. As an example, government agencies wishing to curtail freedom of association can apply more thorough forms of surveillance through ICT tools (actually, the same tools mentioned above which also give the organizations increased opportunities for their work) and by Internet filtering in the form of blocking of websites, tracing of correspondence etc. This is particularly prevalent among Asian and Arab countries such as China and Tunisia, and other states in these regions increasingly follow the road.

From the analysis bellow you find a draft of a SWOT analysis, mapping out the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats related to the impact of ICT on freedom of association. Note that these are only headlines and key words, which can be further elaborated on.