Nonprofit Sector Research Articles

Heart over profit: unravelling the discourse on the non-profit sector’s added value

ABSTRACT This paper explores Members of Parliament (MPs) perceptions of non-profit sector added value by analysing Norwegian parliamentary debates (2018–2020) through Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). It examines how parliamentarians discursively legitimize non-profit sector organizations in public service delivery, thereby providing a lens through which this sector’s added value can be understood. We find that members of parliament legitimize non-profit sector participation on the basis of their functional and moral added value, relying on various discursive legitimization strategies. The findings offer new methodological and theoretical insights for non-profit research, contributing to discussions on the non-profits’ role and value in welfare state services, emphasizing their added value.

A Function of Board Diversity? Does Diversity Equip Nonprofit Performance

Nonprofit boards receive plenty of advice about what they “should” do, but many fail to heed the guidance—perhaps due to limited resources, a failure to prioritize, or not realizing the critical linkage between board performance and organizational performance. This research examines diversity in board membership by linking board diversity to organizational performance. We utilize data from a large, representative national survey of nonprofit executives in the United States to examine the diversity of nonprofit boards in terms of visible diversity and inclusive behaviors and practices. Using regression analysis, we find diverse boards have more inclusive governance practices, and board diversity practices are positively related to nonprofit performance. These findings offer fresh evidence about why diversity matters relative to how boards function and their impact on fulfilling their organizational mission. This research contributes to how we think of diversity and inclusion in the nonprofit sector and why it matters beyond representational value.

Forever is a Long Time: Charitable Perpetuity Maintaining the Nonprofit Industrial Complex

This paper uses critical legal studies (CLS) and critical nonprofit studies (CNS) to examine the charitable exception to the Rule Against Perpetuities (RAP). In the middle-ages, RAP sought to lessen the worry that the so-called “dead-hand” of landholders would exert outsized influence over subsequent generations. RAP forbids people from putting conditions on property transfers unless those conditions expire no later than 21 years after a life in being, but an exception is made for charities. The exception exists because charities are assumed to be almost always beneficial to society; an assumption CLS and CNS question. By questioning such assumptions about the charitable exception to RAP, we reveal the extent to which the nonprofit sector is deliberately constructed to benefit the powerful, and the extent to which it can be deliberately remade.

Addressing “Idealism Exploitation” Through Unionization: Causes and Outcomes of Nonprofit Worker Labor Organizing in the U.S

Through in-depth interviews with nonprofit workers and full-time union organizers in the nonprofit sector, this qualitative study examines the causes, outcomes, and workers’ perceptions of the recent nonprofit worker unionization movement. We found that chronic low pay, substandard working conditions, and a concern for compromised services to clients were the impetus for workers’ labor organizing. Interviews revealed that existing unionization efforts yielded significant wins for workers. This shows that nonprofit organizations could figure out resources to reprioritize labor costs even though they face constraints by funders. Unionization also benefited nonprofit management, including favorable work policies applying to managers and reduced staff turnover. Previous literature suggests that the highly gendered and value-based labor dynamic in nonprofits is a barrier to labor organizing. We found that workers are reevaluating this sacrificing, “labor-of-love” logic and aligning workers’ rights with clients’ rights. This has transformed a barrier to a powerful facilitator for labor organizing.

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

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.

Extreme Heat and Air Quality: Community Leader Perspectives on Information Barriers and Opportunities in Two Environmental Justice Communities.

Extreme heat and air pollution exposure are leading causes of adverse cardiorespiratory health outcomes. Exposure reduction strategies are often focused at the local level. This study examined critical challenges community leaders face in understanding and sharing environmental exposure and health information. We conducted interviews with 19 community leaders of two urban environmental justice communities in Massachusetts, United States. Using directed content analysis, we examined air quality and heat perceptions, information and data resources, and barriers to understanding and communicating relevant local information. Participants shared concerns about both poor air quality and extreme heat. They also expressed the opinion that exposure risk information about these topics is siloed; heat and air quality data can be hard to access, interpret, and effectively communicate with community members. Solutions recommended by participants included community engagement, open-data portals, and creative science communication. Increasing sustainable collaborations among academic, government, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors is recommended.

Balancing early-career paths as pracademics: a collaborative autoethnography study in China

ABSTRACT Pracademics are professionals who combine two roles as scholars and practitioners. Despite pracademics’ unique contributions in connecting knowledge and practice for improved academic understanding and development outcomes, how they form their identities and balance their roles, particularly in early careers, remains underexplored. This study investigates how early-career pracademics balance career paths and form a pracademic identity within the Chinese nonprofit sector. Using collaborative autoethnography, this study analyses the two authors’ experiences of building a nonprofit while pursuing PhD degrees. Our findings reveal three sub-processes of pracademic identity formation: exposure, dissatisfaction and opportunities, and integration. We also identify strategies employed by pracademics at micro, meso, and macro levels to balance academic and practical roles. This study concludes that pracademics in developing contexts like China can effectively navigate their dual roles by aligning with policy orientations, identifying power relations, and leveraging research strengths.

We are civil society!

The study expands on the current debate about post-socialist civil society and social movements, specifically in Croatia. Taking the strategic practices of the Croatian feminist movement in relation to the right to abortion in the last decade as the research unit, it employs the conception of post-socialist civil societies, focuses on the practices of civil society, and differentiates between contentious and compliant practices regardless of the form of organisation or engagement. The study examines whether the strategic practices of the Croatian feminist movement have changed in the last decade and, if so, which factors have played the most significant role. The study is based on a critical content analysis of interviews with the actors themselves and draws on their interpretations of the strategic practices. It finds that the Croatian feminist movement has, in the last decade, rethought the dominant compliant strategic practices inherent in the nonprofit sector and the organisations within it and has turned more towards contentious practices. The research described in the paper finds that there are three dominant factors behind the rethinking of the strategic practice: two external – the growing prominence of the conservative movement and the new expected abortion law – and one internal: a generational shift.

A Survey of Middleware Adoption in Nonprofit Sectors: A Sustainable Development Perspective

Nonprofit Organizations (NPOs) are adopting technology to improve their quality of services, scale up, or reduce operation costs. However, due to the heterogeneity of systems they use, NPOs face system-integration challenges when collaborating with other organizations. Middleware is an intermediary software that assists dissimilar systems in working together. This paper explores middleware applications, opportunities, and challenges within the sector. It extensively reviewed the current state of research on middleware usage in the nonprofit sector for all papers published in Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) until 2023. Out of 127 papers returned, only 31 remained after removing duplicates, invalid entries, and out-of-scope publications. Then, we synthesized insights from a thorough survey of these selected papers. In light of the survey results, we observed that NPOs primarily use middleware in a few of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely, health (SDG 3), NPO operations (SDG 8 and 9), NPO collaborations (SDG 17), development of sustainable cities (SDG 11), security and disaster management (SDG 16), and education (SDG 4). We also identified several challenges related to using middleware in the nonprofit sector, which include privacy, security, system development and performance, data processing and transfer, and volunteer attrition.

Exploring the effects of COVID-19 outbreak control policies on services offered to people experiencing homelessness

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent implementation of public health policies exacerbated multiple intersecting systemic inequities, including homelessness. Housing is a key social determinant of health that played a significant part in the front-line defence against COVID-19, posing challenges for service providers working with people experiencing homelessness (PEH). Public health practitioners and not-for-profit organizations (NFPs) had to adapt existing COVID-19 policies and implement novel measures to prevent the spread of disease within congregate settings, including shelters. It is essential to share the perspectives of service providers working with PEH and their experiences implementing policies to prepare for future public health emergencies and prevent service disruptions.MethodsIn this qualitative case study, we explored how service providers in the non-profit sector interpreted, conceptualized, and implemented COVID-19 public health outbreak control policies in Nova Scotia. We interviewed 11 service providers between September and December 2020. Using thematic analysis, we identified patterns and generated themes. Local, provincial, and national policy documents were useful to situate our findings within the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and contextualize participants’ experiences.ResultsImplementing policies in the context of homelessness was difficult for service providers, leading to creative temporary solutions, including pop-up shelters, a dedicated housing isolation phone line, comfort stations, and harm reduction initiatives, among others. There were distinct rural challenges to navigating the pandemic, which stemmed from technology limitations, lack of public transportation, and service closures. This case study illustrates the importance of flexible and context-specific policies required to support PEH and mitigate the personal and professional impact on service providers amid a public health emergency. Innovative services and public health collaboration also exemplified the ability to enhance housing services beyond the pandemic.ConclusionsThe results of this project may inform context-specific emergency preparedness and response plans for COVID-19, future public health emergencies, and ongoing housing crises.

Levels of Social Participation among Silver-Age Citizens and Factors of its Activation in the Region of Russia (Case of the Sverdlovsk Region)

Introduction. The quality of life of silver-age people is associated not only with psychological, economic and physical well-being, but also with the peculiarities of interpersonal relations and the diversity of their social activity. The widespread ideology of active or “delayed aging” actualizes the study of the nature of inclusion of elderly citizens in various practices of social participation that fill their daily lives. The aim of the study is to reveal the level characteristics of social participation of citizens of silver age in the Sverdlovsk Oblast and the factors that determine them. Materials and Methods. The article analyses the data from the survey of residents of the Sverdlovsk Region over the age of 60, the sample is structured by gender, age, and place of residence of the respondents (type of settlement). The authors’ survey method was used to determine the nature and frequency, level and type of social participation of the Urals elderly, to identify factors that contribute to or impede activity in old age. Results. The study showed that socio-consumer participation characterized by activities “for oneself” and collective participation aimed at social integration “together with others” constitute the main content of social participation of the studied cohort. The participation of the elderly in the practices aimed at helping and caring (“for others”) is significantly lower, and a radical decrease in the activity of the elderly Urals residents is revealed when they switch to “civic participation”. It has been proved that the intensity of social participation of silver-age citizens living in cities is higher than in rural areas. The only exception is participation in civic activities. The same influence on the intensity of the different practices of social participation at all levels is exerted by the status of residence (independent or in a residential institution), the presence of close relatives and the frequency of Internet use. Discussion and Conclusion. The identification of the levels and factors of social participation of older citizens creates an evidence base on the processes of active aging in a typical Russian region. The results of the study demonstrate the relevance of focusing regional social policy on aging and the non-profit sector on increasing the social participation of people and groups of the “silver” age. The article may be of interest to regional authorities, social protection and service institutions, the regional non-profit sector, offering tools for the development and implementation of effective social aging policies aimed at implementing resources and supporting the social participation of the older generation.

Current Approaches to the Interaction Between Regional Public Authorities and Socially Oriented Non-Profit Organizations

Introduction. At present, all levels of government are continuously working on the formation of global information space and digital technologies in order to improve the information accessibility of the activities in public authorities of Russian constituent entities. The need for a more detailed analysis of this direction actualizes scientific research to develop promising areas of interaction between regional public authorities and socially oriented non-profit organizations (hereinafter - SO NPOs). The purpose of the research is to reveal current approaches to understanding the interaction between regional public authorities and SO NCOs. Methods. Criteria and support forms for SO NPOs were considered on the basis of the system method. Provisions and conclusions were substantiated by logical and structural analysis in terms of disclosing theoretical approaches and identifying the main problems in the interaction between regional public authorities and SO NPOs. Results. The article reveals current approaches to understanding the interaction between regional public authorities and SO NCOs. Conclusions. The research can be used in the improvement of mechanisms for the introduction of digital technologies in the system of state and municipal governance in the regions of the Russian Federation to improve the quality of interaction between the regional authorities and the non-profit sector.

The impact of artificial intelligence on intellectual capital development: Shifting requirements for professions and processes in the non-profit sector

The impact of artificial intelligence on intellectual capital development: Shifting requirements for professions and processes in the non-profit sector

Digitalization and non-profits: Competency requirements in non-profit sector of Saudi Arabia

Digitalization is emerging as a broader socio-technical transformation affecting businesses of all types. The paradigm shifts in digital technology have mandated new mindsets and approaches to managerial, leadership, and entrepreneurial competitiveness in organizations. Human capital with the ability to convey digital knowledge and strategies is regarded as a crucial resource for digital transformations (DT) in organizations. In fact, the development of relevant technological and digital competencies (DCs) is regarded as the biggest obstacle to DT in non-profit organizations (NPOs) as well. However, the growth of literature in this direction has been fragmented by the lack of any formal integration of DCs. The current study is formulated with the primary goal of exploring the digital competency requirements of NPOs. A systematic literature review protocol adhering to PRISMA guidelines was undertaken to synthesize the initial draft of DCs. Subsequently, a modified two-round Delphi survey with a panel of 25 experts was used to rate the competencies quantitatively. The analysis followed the prescribed Delphi principles to determine the results' validity and reliability. As a result, a comprehensive set of eighteen competencies was generated and categorized into three areas (‘digital leadership’, ‘personnel and organizational’, and ‘technical’ competencies). While filling an important void in the literature, the study's findings lay the groundwork for a digital transformation education, learning, and development agenda in non-profits.

Включенность некоммерческих организаций и объединений в деятельность общественных комиссий при главных бюро медико-социальной экспертизы в субъектах Российской Федерации

The system of medical and social expertise in Russia is three years old. Involvement of public and the non-profit sector have resulted in a significant number of representatives of specialized non-profit organizations in public commissions under the chief bureaus of sociomedical assessment. Patient-oriented non-profit organizations introduce new guidelines into the system, e.g., a more rapid adjustment of medical and social expertise to the needs of the target group. Nevertheless, the quality and accessibility of sociomedical assessment services remain a prospective research field. The article describes the involvement of non-profit organizations and associations in the activities of public commissions under the chief bureaus of medical and social assessment. The research was part of the project on Public participation in improving the sociomedical assessment in the Russian Federation: involvement, development, and monitoring. The research data were obtained from structured interviews with representatives of public commissions at the chief bureaus of sociomedical assessment and focus group interviews. Two groups included 12–15 representatives of patient non-profit organizations involved in public commissions. The resulting analysis of the composition of public commissions for 2018–2022 revealed the following facts. Patient non-profit organizations were the most significant group among public commissions are representatives of patient non-profit organizations (34.1%). Representatives of the chief bureaus of sociomedical assessment tended to leave: 12% in 2018 and 4% in 2022. The wide representation of non-profit organizations indicated the public orientation of the commissions. The most active participants were those non-profit organizations that consulted citizens, thus improving the effectiveness of the commissions. The factors that affected the activity of public commissions were connected with their employees, i.e., their awareness, goal understanding, motivation for public work, involvement, and workflow management. Patient non-profit organizations participated in the work of public commissions in following types: presence, representation, and goal achievement. The current development vector is the shift to the type of goal achievement.

Нормативно закрепленные инструменты стимулирования низовой гражданской активности

The article describes the results of a study aimed at identifying normatively established tools for stimulating the development of positive civic engagement. The authors present the results of a comparative study of the legislation of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, including examples of the most successful stimulation of volunteerism, charity, and territorial public self-government. The authors put forward the thesis that for the successful development of volunteerism, charity, territorial public self-government and other systemic institutions of civil society, an important factor is the state of the non-profit sector of the region itself, which the author reveals using the example of the Yaroslavl region.

The Performance and Qualitative Evaluation of Scientific Work at Research Universities: A Focus on the Types of University and Research

The successful implementation of scientific research is one of the key factors for sustainable development, including the development of tertiary education. A leading or “world-class university”, today, transfers knowledge to innovation, bearing the concept of “academic excellence”, and features of “research” and “entrepreneurial” universities highly match the SDGs. This article presents an analysis for scientific quality-assessing indicators at research universities. It also studies university science models in different countries, the features of university types—engineering (technical or technological) and comprehensive (multidisciplinary)—and the arising problems with their possible solutions for university science on the whole. The authors suggested a composition of indicators for assessing the quality of the fundamental scientific research and engineering project results and the performances of universities’ specialized scientific units. The respondents of the survey weighed the significance of the indicators. The research used methods of analysis, brainstorming, Ishikawa diagram building, and a survey of specialists. The results obtained can be useful for the improvement of quality management systems (QMSs) at research universities. Some implications of this study could be extended to improve QMS and management processes of specialized scientific organizations that belong to the state, business, and non-profit sectors of science.

AI-Driven Strategies for Enhancing Non-Profit Organizational Impact

Throughout the last couple of years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has come under consideration as a revolutionizer of numerous sectors in which the non-profit sector is involved is not an exception. AI intervention can be applied to the non-profit techniques in a way that this paper seeks to explain the extent of the success that can be realized. It discusses AI’s role in the non-profit organizations and pinpoints technologies like data analysis, AI-based fundraising solutions, program assessment, and chatbots to engage the donors. The paper also reviews general issues associated with the application of AI solutions including inadequate funds, dearth of specialists in AI and data privacy issues, and come up with measures to mitigate these challenges. It also elaborates on the evaluation indicators of the degree of AI impact in non-profits such as, efficiency increment indicators, fundraising indicators, changes in the programs, and indicators of stakeholders. The conclusions are that it is possible to achieve the positive impact on the function of distinctive non-profit organizations through the successful application of AI.

Exploring the virtuous circle of societal value creation and capture by non-profit organizations from a Bourdieusian perspective

ABSTRACT For non-profit organizations, the way that societal value is created, captured and articulated remains ambiguous. While value creation is well-established in the literature, the understanding of value capture, particularly in its non-economic dimensions, is in its nascent stages. However, understanding value capture beyond its economic dimension is crucial, as it impacts the capacity to create more societal value. Drawing on Bourdieu’s theory of forms of capital (economic, social, cultural, and symbolic), this research proposes a theoretical framework to explain societal value creation and capture for the non-profit sector, illustrated by the case study of Doctors Without Borders.

Digital Leadership Capability in Muhammadiyah Charity Units A Literature Review

This research explores digital leadership capabilities in Muhammadiyah business charity units through a literature review. In the midst of rapid digital transformation, the ability to adopt and implement digital technology has become crucial for nonprofit organizations, including Muhammadiyah. Using a systematic literature review methodology, this study identifies and analyzes previous studies on digital leadership in the context of nonprofit and religious organizations. The results of this review demonstrate that digital leadership capabilities in Muhammadiyah charity units are influenced by factors such as technological skills, strategic vision, organizational support, and culture of innovation. This research also found that although several studies have discussed digital leadership, a significant gap remains in the literature regarding specific implementations in the context of Muhammadiyah. Based on these findings, this article provides practical recommendations for developing digital leadership capabilities that improve the effectiveness and operational efficiency of Muhammadiyah charity units. In addition, this study suggests directions for further research that focus on implementation strategies and impact evaluation of digital leadership in the nonprofit sector.