Nonprofit Organizations Research Articles

The extent of mission-based HRM practices in small and large NPOs: a four-type hybridization model

PurposeTheoretical models of nonprofit organization (NPO) development highlight the effect of paid staff size on the transition from informal to administrative human resource management (HRM) and on the evolution toward mission-based HRM reconnecting with core values. However, more recent literature points to a significant gap between these models and empirically observed realities. In practice, NPO management is often based on administrative HRM practices. Mission-based HRM is only present in less visible hybrid forms. Drawing on an evolutionary approach to HRM hybridization, our research seeks to contribute to this nascent literature by investigating the extent, form and content of these hybrid HRM systems.Design/methodology/approachWe further explore the evolution of NPO HRM using co-occurrence text analysis to treat qualitative data from 36 NPOs and track the semantic cues to a mission-based HRM approach. Our results confirm the adoption of a predominantly administrative HRM in NPOs with less than 50 employees and more hybrid forms of HRM, including mission-based practices, in NPOs with more than 50 employees.FindingsWe identify four types of hybridization: (1) “compartmentalized hybridization”, which brings major changes to specific areas; (2) “nested hybridization”, which involves softening certain practices by introducing one mission-based criterion within an administrative-dominated approach; (3) “semantic hybridization” where a mission-based meaning is given to administrative practices and (4) “decentralized hybridization” where local managers make local adjustments that combine the other three types of hybridization.Research limitations/implicationsAs we needed subgroups of sufficient size to be able to run our analyses, we distinguished between two groups: less or more than 50 employees. However, it should be noted that the variation within these two categories remains important and was not taken into account, which is an important limitation of our study. We invite future research to use larger samples to further assess the linear or threshold nature of the relationship between size and hybridization.Practical implicationsSome may regret that the mission-based model is not more widely adopted in all areas of HRM. Nonetheless, “compartmentalized”, “nested”, “semantic” and “decentralized” hybridization offer four concrete ways of managing the contradictions and tensions between professionalization and maintaining mission-based core values.Originality/valueThe importance of these hybrid forms for NPO sustainability and employees’ acceptance of administrative HRM is discussed.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Tele-Counselling Program With Care Partners of Persons Living With Dementia: A Pilot Feasibility RCT.

We evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effect of an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) tele-counselling program offered by a non-profit organization for care partners of persons with dementia (PWD) in a bilingual rural province. Thirty participants enrolled and one withdrew. Intervention group participants (n = 14) received 6-8 individual counselling sessions via telephone, videoconference, or text. Control group participants (n = 15) received two general support telephone calls from Alzheimer Society staff. Results indicated limited recruitment and adherence (completion) feasibility, although acceptability and usability were high. Significant within-group reductions in anxiety and stress symptoms (DASS-21) and burden (ZBI-12) in the intervention group were demonstrated, although the groups were not significantly different post-intervention. ACT tele-counselling may increase care partner access to mental health services, improve symptoms, and alleviate strain on Alzheimer Society staff, though a larger trial is needed with a longer duration, multiple ACT therapists, and additional recruitment efforts. Protocol registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05385458.

Trends and Challenges In The Development of Civil Society In Uzbekistan

Measures to deepen democratic transformations in Uzbekistan are characterized by gradual progress towards the formation of a civil society, the development of the country's state, legal and political system, and the creation of conditions for the free functioning of civil society institutions. This article analyzes the socio-political, legal, and economic issues in the process of building civil society in Uzbekistan, the reforms aimed at addressing these issues, and the role of the state's support in these reforms. The article examines the role of important civil society institutions, such as non-governmental non-profit organizations (NGOs) and mass media, their support by the state, citizen participation, and the challenges faced in developing the activities of these institutions.

Co-designing a novel service delivery pathway to increase access to autism identification and care within a non-profit community organization serving culturally and linguistically diverse families.

Culturally and linguistically diverse families experience greater challenges accessing timely, autism-specialized care relative to non-culturally and linguistically diverse families, and ultimately experience less optimal health outcomes. Alternative pathways to access autism care for culturally and linguistically diverse families are needed; however, the features of a novel pathway remain unclear. A co-design process was used with a culturally embedded non-profit community organization to develop a novel service delivery pathway for increasing access to autism services for culturally and linguistically diverse families in the United States. Twenty-three individuals participated in eight, 2-hour co-design sessions. Participants included front-line staff (seven non-specialist providers), management leaders (two program supervisors and two organization directors), and eight end-users (caregivers) from seven understudied cultural and linguistic groups (i.e. Somali Mai Mai, Swahili, Arabic, Dari/Pashto, French, Amharic, and Tigrinya) and four autism specialists. The co-design identified five key design features: respecting diversity, prioritizing caregiver agency, increasing accessibility, minimizing stigma, and maximizing feasibility. These features informed the co-development of a novel pathway to access autism identification and care for culturally and linguistically diverse families that pairs navigation services with the dissemination of brief, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based parenting and coping strategies. This power-sharing, community-academic partnership may serve as a model for improving equity in autism care.Lay AbstractEarly, specialized support is important for helping young autistic children learn and develop. However, families from different cultural backgrounds often find it challenging to access this early help. A university lab and a community organization worked together to create a new way for these families to access autism services. We used a co-design approach, which involves gathering feedback from a variety of people involved in autism care, including service providers, community leaders, caregivers, and autism experts. Twenty-three individuals participated in eight co-design sessions that were two hours each. Participants were from different language groups, including Somali Mai Mai, Swahili, Arabic, Dari/Pashto, French, Amharic, and Tigrinya. These sessions helped us identify five important factors important for improving access to needed services: being mindful about cultural differences between groups, empowering caregivers, providing information and support for accessing services, reducing stigma around autism, and ensuring the service is practical to use. Based on these factors, we developed a new pathway for families to access autism care. This new approach includes providing help in navigating the medical and educational systems and provides short, culturally appropriate advice for parenting and coping. This project shows how working together with communities can create more fair and effective ways to provide autism support.

Shaping Focused Transformative Inquiry. A Generative Sequential Mixed Methods Approach to Counteracting Ageism in Non-profit Organizations

This study aims to counteract ageism in a non-profit organization. It utilized a generative sequential mixed methods approach, consisting of a qualitative inquiry focused on challenging the criticalities identified in a previous quantitative assessment. The first phase used the Fraboni Scale of Ageism to assess participants’ discriminatory attitudes toward older individuals. In the second phase, volunteers participated in a qualitative inquiry consisting of “generative” interviews designed to counter age prejudice openly. Thematic analysis revealed the themes used by participants to foster an organizational culture that is positive for aging and intergenerational dynamics. The study provided a detailed procedure with which to create focused generative inquiries and personalized interview protocols to enhance the effectiveness of the generative sequential mixed methods design.

Fraud risks in nonprofit organizations: Eight steps nonprofits can take today to mitigate fraud risks

Fraud is a pervasive and costly issue that can affect all types of organizations, including nonprofits. Nonprofit organizations are especially vulnerable due to limited resources, less staff and, in many cases, reliance on volunteers with minimal oversight. Fraud can not only result in financial losses but also erode public trust, leading to long‐term damage to the organization's reputation.

Managing and motivating academic advisory boards in animal health for high performance

IntroductionAcademic leaders and faculty in professional academic programs often gather input from practitioners to test the relevance of academic curricula. Program advisory boards for professional programs are established to provide feedback on curricula and industry needs; however, there is limited research examining the management of these boards. Although there exists research on managing volunteers in non-profit organizations and managing boards of directors, academic advisory boards occupy a position between informal volunteer arrangements and formal boards of directors with oversight responsibilities. The objective of this project was to use existing research on volunteer and board of director management to understand the experience of three academic advisory boards that provide advice and guidance on animal health academic programs.MethodsTwo surveys were administered to existing advisory boards at Kansas State University’s Olathe, Kansas Campus. The survey questions were aimed at determining the strengths and weaknesses of the campus’s academic advisory board recruitment and management practices using evidence-based practices for effective volunteer management.ResultsThe study’s findings suggest that the primary motivation for serving on an academic advisory board is a strong desire to contribute to the mission and vision of the institution. Several tactics emerged for engaging board members, including developing strong leadership in setting purpose and objectives, creating space for members to participate in dialogue in strategy, and assigning tasks that align with their knowledge, skill set, and network.DiscussionBest practices from this study demonstrate meaningful approaches to engage advisory boards so that volunteers feel more valued in how they can positively impact the future of educational programming.

Effective onboarding key to engaging new membership as well as boards

Ensuring an effective and efficient onboarding experience is key to getting your new board members engaged and hitting the ground running, experts say. But it is just as essential for nonprofit membership organizations when it comes to bringing new members into the fold.

Narrating the soundscape of coastal tourism

ABSTRACT This research letter concerns the soundscape along the Norwegian coastline, but the concepts can be applied to most coastal destinations. We wrote this letter in our roles as scholars of tourism and biology as well as members of a non-profit organisation located in northern Norway that is dedicated to science, conservation and the protection of marine mammals. By contrasting a promotional video with an awareness-raising video, we highlight tourism sector’s missed opportunity to foster sustainability and justice and advocate for inclusive storytelling that considers different voices, stories and soundscapes.

Who do you know, or what do you know? Board intellectual capital components for non-profit board role fulfilment

Purpose: Nonprofit organisations (NPOs) are crucial in building stable and equal societies. NPOs remain under pressure due to increased societal needs and a competitive funding environment. The board of directors (BOD) is responsible for the organisation’s long-term success. Guidelines for the BOD of NPOs are limited, which leaves NPOs vulnerable. This research gap was addressed by exploring board intellectual capital components, specifically human (HC), social (SC), structural (STC) and cultural capital (CC), sufficient for nonprofit board role fulfilment.Design/methodology/approach: Exploratory, qualitative research was conducted. Sixteen registered social services NPOs in South Africa were selected through purposive sampling methods. The NPO was considered from a case-based perspective through fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).Findings/results: STC and SC proved sufficient for nonprofit board role fulfilment. Specifically, STC proved sufficient for the monitoring role, SC for the advisory role, and STC and SC were conjointly sufficient for the provision of resources role of the BOD.Practical implications: By prioritising the SC and STC of the BOD, NPOs can fulfil all three board roles independently of HC. Rather than relying on individual expertise, this approach leverages networks, relationships, and organisational structures to sustain board functionality, thus enabling NPOs to drive long-term sustainability without being dependent on the availability of specific skills or professional experience.Originality/value: This research adopted a case-oriented approach to the BOD of NPOs in South Africa. The findings broaden the understanding of nonprofit governance by highlighting SC and STC as sufficient alternative pathways for fulfilling nonprofit board roles.

STRATEGIC READINESS OF PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS IN THE WASH IN HCF PROGRAM IN BANDARLAMPUNG CITY

This article discusses the WASH Program in Healthcare Facilities initiated by one non-profit organization, the Way Seputih Conservation Foundation (YKWS), in collaboration with the Bandarlampung Health Department. This program is beneficial forpreventing the spread of diseases from water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, while also serving as a campaign platform for clean and healthy living behaviors in the community. The lack of proper sanitation and sufficient clean water is the root cause of various health problems in society. The research methodology employs a qualitative approach using the strategic readinessmethod, which is part of the Public Policy Analysis study. The results indicate that the strategic readiness of the partnership between the Bandarlampung City Government and the Way Seputih Conservation Foundation (YKWS) demonstrates shared commitment, good coordination, sharing of experiences and expertise, and community participation. Additionally, challenges that need to be addressed include policy and funding issues, the need for monitoring and evaluation systems, sustainable management, and collaboration with relevant parties.

Policy on the Frontlines: Community Nonprofit Organizations Working with Older Adults During COVID-19 in Montréal

Community nonprofit organizations (CNPOs) are a vital component of the social infrastructure that addresses the needs of older adults aging in place. Despite this, CNPOs are overlooked in political research and relevant policies, such as the age-friendly cities program. This article examines CNPO work during the COVID-19 pandemic in Montréal, Québec. Policy analysis, surveys, and interviews with CNPO staff, local policy actors, and older adults reveal that CNPOs became increasingly essential frontline social service providers during the pandemic. While CNPOs fill gaps in public and private social infrastructures, they are facing considerable service, labour, administrative, and financial challenges due to inadequate policy support. Policy on aging must incorporate CNPO work in different sectors and communities, facilitate partnerships that respect CNPO autonomy, and improve CNPO funding.

Reframing the Stakeholder Salience Model From the Perspective of University‐Affiliated Nonprofit Organizations

ABSTRACTThis article presents a reconstruction of the stakeholder salience model to assist decision‐makers in university‐affiliated nonprofit organizations in identifying and managing their stakeholders. The proposed framework is based on multiple case studies of homogenous university‐affiliated nonprofit organizations. Between April 2021 and May 2022, 69 semi‐structured interviews were conducted. This study enhances the current stakeholder literature by identifying trustworthiness, motivation, and legitimacy as key stakeholder traits of potential contributors to nonprofit organizations. It also suggests a new stakeholder classification model based on the presence of one or more of these traits. The framework proposed has the potential to guide decision‐makers in university‐affiliated nonprofit organizations that work toward inclusive development and improving the lives of marginalized populations. This research broadens the stakeholder salience model's scope to include nonprofits and stakeholders from underrepresented groups.

Perceptions and experiences of shelter managers in working with the homeless persons during the COVID-19 pandemic

AimIn South Africa, homelessness is still a complex problem impacted by a number of social, political, and economic variables. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions and impacted people all around the world, particularly vulnerable groups like the homeless, who ought to have received care during the epidemic. During the pandemic, the homeless received much-needed temporary shelters. The purpose of this study was to find out how shelter managers felt about working with homeless people during the COVID-19 outbreak.MethodThis qualitative study purposively sampled 15 homeless shelter managers, data was collected face-to-face using a semi-structured interview guide and analysed thematically.ResultsFindings revealed four main themes: ‘causes of homelessness, ‘’current support structures’, challenges in shelters during COVID-19’ and ‘benefits of shelters’.ConclusionAddressing homelessness requires a comprehensive approach that addresses its root causes while providing immediate support and services to those in need. Furthermore, understanding the causes of and responses of shelter managers to the pandemic is vital to informing the activities undertaken by homeless service providers during the pandemic and will help prepare for future disasters and pandemics. Collaborative efforts involving government agencies, non-profit organizations (NPOs), community stakeholders, and experienced individuals are essential to develop sustainable solutions and create inclusive communities where everyone has access to safe and stable shelter and housing.

Adoption of artificial intelligence in healthcare: survey of health system priorities, successes, and challenges.

The US healthcare system faces significant challenges, including clinician burnout, operational inefficiencies, and concerns about patient safety. Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI, has the potential to address these challenges, but its adoption, effectiveness, and barriers to implementation are not well understood. To evaluate the current state of AI adoption in US healthcare systems, assess successes and barriers to implementation during the early generative AI era. This cross-sectional survey was conducted in Fall 2024, and included 67 health systems members of the Scottsdale Institute, a collaborative of US non-profit healthcare organizations. Forty-three health systems completed the survey (64% response rate). Respondents provided data on the deployment status and perceived success of 37 AI use cases across 10 categories. The primary outcomes were the extent of AI use case development, piloting, or deployment, the degree of reported success for AI use cases, and the most significant barriers to adoption. Across the 43 responding health systems, AI adoption and perceptions of success varied significantly. Ambient Notes, a generative AI tool for clinical documentation, was the only use case with 100% of respondents reporting adoption activities, and 53% reported a high degree of success with using AI for Clinical Documentation. Imaging and radiology emerged as the most widely deployed clinical AI use case, with 90% of organizations reporting at least partial deployment, although successes with diagnostic use cases were limited. Similarly, many organizations have deployed AI for clinical risk stratification such as early sepsis detection, but only 38% report high success in this area. Immature AI tools were identified a significant barrier to adoption, cited by 77% of respondents, followed by financial concerns (47%) and regulatory uncertainty (40%). Ambient Notes is rapidly advancing in US healthcare systems and demonstrating early success. Other AI use cases show varying degrees of adoption and success, constrained by barriers such as immature AI tools, financial concerns, and regulatory uncertainty. Addressing these challenges through robust evaluations, shared strategies, and governance models will be essential to ensure effective integration and adoption of AI into healthcare practice.

Rare Disease Drug Repurposing.

Treatments are urgently needed for the more than 9500 rare diseases with no US Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies. Although repurposing can be less time- and cost-intensive compared with novel drug development, hurdles have impeded systematic repurposing. Rare disease nonprofit organizations (RDNPs) are well-positioned to overcome barriers and have spearheaded rare disease repurposing efforts for decades. However, no comprehensive data are available on the state of rare disease repurposing or features of successful efforts. To characterize the state of rare disease drug repurposing, identify factors associated with successful outcomes, and share thematic insights using the interactive Repurposing of All Drugs, Mapping All Paths (ROADMAP) Project web tool. The ROADMAP study was a qualitative study using a mixed-methods analysis of US-based RDNP leaders and their stakeholders, including a national survey and semistructured interviews of RDNP leaders, conducted from September 29, 2021, to January 6, 2022. Surveys and interviews revealed themes associated with RDNP strategies, timelines, and support mechanisms. Data were analyzed from January 22, 2024, to April 23, 2024. The primary survey outcome was the repurposing project stage (abandoned, early, clinical, late, or successful). Qualitative outcomes included themes characterizing repurposing experiences. Two random forest models of drug- and disease- specific as well as organization-specific variables were used to evaluate factor importance toward inferring the project stage. Orthogonal significance testing was conducted using Spearman rank correlation, and P values in each model were corrected for multiple hypothesis testing using a Benjamini-Hochberg procedure. Representative organizations submitted survey responses, including 147 of 698 potential US-based RDNPs. The median RDNP age was 10 years (IQR, 5-20 years), and the median annual revenue was $355 390 (IQR, $90 028-$946 108). Among 34 leaders who were interviewed, representing 25 RDNPs, 23 were female (67.6%), and the RDNPs had a median age of 15 years (IQR, 6-19 years) and a median revenue of $670 719 (IQR, $193 587-$1 830 890). Among the surveyed RDNPs, 58 of 138 (42.0%) specifically identifying their involvement in repurposing supported repurposing projects, and 94 drugs were in various stages of repurposing, of which 23 met success criteria (5 with US Food and Drug Administration approval and 18 with off-label use with subjective benefit). Survey factors associated with successful outcomes included nonprofit-supported patient recruitment into trials (Gini importance, 3.90; ρ = 0.50; adjusted P < .001) and provision of nonfinancial research support (Gini importance, 0.69; ρ = 0.33; adjusted P = .02). Interview themes were synthesized into a 5-stage repurposing framework with roadblocks and recommendations that included (1) enabling drug repurposing, (2) identifying a drug therapy, (3) validating a drug therapy, (4) clinical use and testing, and (5) reaching an optimal end point for clinical practice. The findings of this qualitative study of RDNP repurposing suggest that several opportunities were associated with successful outcomes and can be considered to optimize systematic repurposing among RDNPs, external collaborators, and policymakers with the use of an interactive tool showcasing insights to facilitate data-driven drug repurposing.

Leveraging Predictive Analytics for Resource Optimization in Non-Profit Organizations

Aim: This study explores the use of predictive analytics for optimizing resource management and operational efficiency within non-profit organizations (NPOs) with a focus on recent trends in technology developments. Study Design: A comprehensive review of literature in relation to the use of predictive analytics within the non-profit organization sector, especially between 2020 and 2025, with a focus on data-driven decision-making and improvement frameworks. Methodology: The review adopted a systematic literature review approach, gathering articles from peer-reviewed journals like Google Scholar, Scopus, SSRN, and Business Source Complete. Results: The study integrated knowledge from 15 recent papers to show that predictive analytics improves the efficiency of fundraising, volunteer management, beneficiary targeting, and allocation of inventory. Technologies like machine learning algorithms, regression models, and time-series forecasting significantly contribute to forecasting donor behavior, demand cycles, and operational constraints. Implementation challenges including data privacy concerns, algorithmic bias risks, and organizational capacity limitations were consistently identified across studies. Conclusions: Predictive analytics presents a transformative opportunity for non-profits to maximize the use of limited resources. However, challenges such as data quality, organizational capacity, ethical considerations around data use, and appropriate governance frameworks require tailored approaches to maximize the potential of analytics in the non-profit environment.

Evolving capabilities of nonprofit organizations in circular used clothing supply chains

PurposeCircular supply chains (CSCs) have experienced significant transformations, reflecting shifts in consumer preferences, a growing emphasis on the circular economy and increasing regulatory pressures. In the used clothing sector, nonprofit organizations (NPOs) have traditionally managed CSCs, but growing competition from for-profit entities is driving NPOs to adopt profit-oriented models. This paper examines how NPOs transformed their CSC capabilities to navigate this shift.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a case study approach to collect data from three NPOs, among Sweden’s largest operators of used clothing CSCs, each with distinct operational structures. The dynamic capability view guides the design of semi-structured interviews and data analysis.FindingsThis study identifies seven microfoundations of dynamic capabilities crucial for the competitive management of used clothing CSCs. These seven microfoundations emerged across four distinct levels representing employee, managerial, organizational and supply chain levels. These findings provide a holistic framework for understanding and enabling competitive capabilities in functioning used clothing CSCs.Originality/valueThis study offers empirical insights into maintaining efficiency and competitiveness in used clothing CSCs. Although the evidence is drawn from NPOs, the findings also apply to for-profits, as NPOs have shifted toward profit-driven models. Additionally, this study guides for-profit and policymakers by promoting collaboration with NPOs to achieve synergies. Finally, this study advances the dynamic capability view by introducing four levels at which capabilities arise and their importance for competitive CSC management.

Nonprofit Employees' Perceptions of Ethical Workplace Climate

ABSTRACTThe study investigates the constituents of ethical workplace climate in the nonprofit organization context. Literature suggests that nonprofit organizations' operating principles and propositions are distinct and share unique characteristics in terms of their motives, beliefs, and values. It adopts a qualitative research methodology, employing an inductive‐deductive approach to data analysis. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews with 74 managers from 30 nonprofit organizations, using the critical incident technique, resulting in 121 incidents and 409 reflective statements. Analysis revealed 12 prominent themes and four reference points, identifying four dimensions of ethical workplace climate: enlightened self‐interest, collegiality, stewardship, and internal legitimacy. The study contributes to the current ethical climate literature by identifying key factors in nonprofits, as perceived by employees. By shedding light on these factors, it enhances the understanding of ethical climate dynamics within nonprofit organizations. Practical implications emphasize the importance of cultivating enlightened self‐interest, promoting collegiality, ethical stewardship, and reinforcing internal legitimacy to enhance the ethical workplace climate.

Innovating from the Inside Out? A Scoping Study Informing Organizational Innovation for Social Innovation

ABSTRACT To make a sustained social impact in changing contexts, nonprofit organizations (NPO) must innovate their organizational practices, processes, and structures. These innovations can enhance their social innovation capacity. This scoping study synthesized key elements of the capacity to engage in social innovation. Four databases were scanned, and 110 peer-reviewed studies were selected for content analysis, and thematic analysis. The findings show how internal factors, such as leadership, procedures, structures, values, and organizational culture, influence organizational innovation in NPOs and how inclusive processes are important for innovating. This study informs which factors to address when conducting organizational innovation, and it shows how organizational innovation has been conducted. By engaging in organizational innovation, NPOs can enhance social innovation capacity. However, more research is needed – especially in non-Western contexts – on the complex efforts and dynamics related to conducting innovations at the organizational level and their significance for NPO performance and long-term viability.