Strategic leadership and management within non-profit organizations: An in-depth review of practices contributing to sustainable impact

Abstract

This study provides an in-depth review of strategic leadership and management practices within non-profit organizations (NPOs) and their contribution to sustainable impact. Employing a systematic literature review and content analysis, the research aims to explore the evolving landscape of strategic leadership, define the scope of leadership and management in achieving sustainable impact, and identify innovative management practices that enhance organizational sustainability. The methodology involved a comprehensive search across peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and grey literature from 2013 to 2023, focusing on empirical evidence, theoretical frameworks, and case studies relevant to NPOs' strategic leadership and management. Key findings reveal that adaptive leadership, innovative management practices, stakeholder engagement, and technology integration are crucial for NPOs to navigate operational complexities, engage stakeholders effectively, and achieve mission-driven objectives. The study proposes strategic recommendations for NPOs to enhance their sustainable impact, including adopting adaptive leadership styles, fostering innovation, integrating technology, and building resilient organizational frameworks. The study underscores the importance of policy development to guide non-profit leaders towards best practices in strategic leadership and management. It also highlights future research directions, emphasizing the need to explore the impact of emerging technologies, globalization, and cross-cultural dynamics on NPOs. Conclusively, the research affirms that effective strategic leadership and management are indispensable for enhancing the sustainable impact of NPOs, advocating for continuous innovation and adaptability in the non-profit sector.