Dr. Amal Nazzal is a rising academic and activist whose work deeply explores the intricate relationship between organizational structures and social movements within Palestine. As an Assistant Professor at Birzeit University’s Department of Business Administration, she uniquely combines rigorous academic research with a passionate commitment to social justice, focusing on how Palestinian civil society organizations adapt and resist in a turbulent political environment.
Born and raised amid the ongoing Palestinian struggle, Dr. Nazzal’s personal experiences shape her scholarship, which centers on understanding how NGOs and grassroots organizations navigate political pressures, international funding constraints, and community expectations. Her Ph.D. in Organizational Studies from the University of Exeter provided the methodological tools to dissect these complexities, utilizing qualitative methods such as digital ethnography and social media analysis. This approach allows her to reveal how digital platforms empower activism, foster identity formation, and enable Palestinian communities to sustain their resistance.
Dr. Nazzal’s current research, supported by the George Antonius Fellowship at the University of Oxford, examines the “NGOization” of Palestinian civil society. This term refers to the transformation of grassroots organizations as they institutionalize under international donor frameworks, often leading to tensions between local agency and global political agendas. Her work critically analyzes how these dynamics affect the ability of Palestinian NGOs to fulfill their missions while maintaining grassroots legitimacy and political autonomy.
Her scholarship has been published in leading journals like the Journal of Business Research, Human Relations, and the International Journal of Communication. These articles highlight her innovative integration of feminist organizational theory, social capital, and network analysis, presenting new perspectives on resistance, empowerment, and community resilience in Palestine. By focusing on the intersection of gender, politics, and organizational form, Dr. Nazzal sheds light on how women-led initiatives and feminist networks are critical to sustaining social movements in challenging contexts.
Beyond academia, Dr. Amal Nazzal’s influence extends into advocacy and public intellectualism. She regularly contributes essays and analyses to platforms such as Al-Shabaka and 7amleh, where she addresses digital rights, civil society challenges, and the socio-political impacts of Israeli occupation. Her involvement with Birzeit University’s Institute of Women’s Studies and active participation in the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement demonstrate her commitment to combining scholarly insight with tangible activism. Moreover, she champions the right to education as a fundamental human right essential to Palestinian liberation.
Dr. Nazzal exemplifies the new generation of Palestinian scholars who refuse to separate intellectual inquiry from political struggle. Her work illuminates how marginalized communities can strategically use organizational structures and digital technologies to build solidarity and envision alternative futures. In a region marked by conflict, her research and activism offer critical insights into the resilience of Palestinian civil society and the transformative potential of feminist and social justice frameworks.
As Dr. Amal Nazzal continues to bridge theory and practice, her scholarship not only advances organizational studies but also serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking justice in Palestine and beyond. Her voice remains essential in global conversations about power, resistance, and the role of civil society in shaping more equitable societies.
