Governance and Performance in a “Marketized” Nonprofit Sector

2016 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 232-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingo Bode
Keyword(s):  
Nonprofit Organizations ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Organization Theory ◽  
Nonprofit Sector ◽  
Internal Governance ◽  
Input Quality ◽  
External Governance ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Embedded Case Study

Nonprofit organizations are now involved in human service provision internationally. However, these organizations perform in variable ways that potentially undermine their public service function. Eldercare is a case in point. Drawing on various strands of organization theory and taking German care homes as an example, this article argues that differences in performance (concerning “input quality”) may emanate from a distinctive mode of external governance that is crowding out capacity for quality-oriented internal governance. This is illustrated by evidence from an embedded case study. The findings hint at general problems with a “marketized” devolution of public services to nonprofits.

scholarly journals Meta-regulation meets Deliberation: Situating the Governor within NHS Foundation Trust Hospitals

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (03) ◽  
pp. 595-613 ◽  
Author(s):  
ROSS MILLAR ◽  
TIM FREEMAN ◽  
RUSSELL MANNION ◽  
HUW T. O. DAVIES
Keyword(s):  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Internal Governance ◽  
Hospital Governance ◽  
Regulatory Architecture ◽  
External Governance ◽  
Hospital Boards ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Governance Processes ◽  
Governance Arrangements

AbstractNHS Foundation Trust (FT) hospitals in England have complex internal governance arrangements. They may be considered to exhibit meta-regulatory characteristics to the extent that governors are able to promote deliberative values and steer internal governance processes towards wider regulatory goals. Yet, while recent studies of NHS FT hospital governance have explored FT governors and examined FT hospital boards to consider executive oversight, there is currently no detailed investigation of interactions between these two groups. Drawing on observational and interview data from four case-study sites, we trace interactions between the actors involved; explore their understandings of events; and consider the extent to which the proposed benefits of meta-regulation were realised in practice. Findings show that while governors provided both a conscience and contribution to internal and external governance arrangements, the meta-regulatory role was largely symbolic and limited to compliance and legitimation of executive actions. Thus while the meta-regulatory ‘architecture’ for governor involvement may be considered effective, the soft intelligence gleaned and operationalised may be obscured by ‘hard’ performance metrics which dominate resource-allocation processes and priority-setting. Governors were involved in practices that symbolised deliberative involvement but resulted in further opportunities for legitimising executive decisions.

scholarly journals Identifying Integration and Differentiation in a Hospital’s Logistical System: A social network analysis of a case study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annelies van der Ham ◽  
Frits Van Merode ◽  
Dirk Ruwaard ◽  
Arno Van Raak
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Social Network Analysis ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Network Structure ◽  
Organization Theory ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Study Research ◽  
And Performance

Abstract Background Integration, the coordination and alignment of tasks, has been promoted widely in order to improve the performance of hospitals. Both organization theory and social network analysis offer perspectives on integration. This exploratory study research aims to understand how a hospital’s logistical system works, and in particular to what extent there is integration and differentiation. More specifically, it first describes how a hospital organizes logistical processes; second, it identifies the agents and the interactions for organizing logistical processes, and, third, it establishes the extent to which tasks are segmented into subsystems, which is referred to as differentiation, and whether these tasks are coordinated and aligned, thus achieving integration.Methods The study is based on case study research carried out in a hospital in the Netherlands. All logistical tasks that are executed for surgery patients were studied. Using a mixed method, data were collected from the Hospital Information System (HIS), documentation, observations and interviews. These data were used to perform a social network analysis and calculate the network metrics of the hospital network.Results This paper shows that 23 tasks are executed by 635 different agents who interact through 31,499 interaction links. The social network of the hospital demonstrates both integration and differentiation. The network appears to function differently from what is assumed in literature, as the network does not reflect the formal organizational structure of the hospital, and tasks are mainly executed across functional silos. Nurses and physicians perform integrative tasks and two agents who mainly coordinate the tasks in the network, have no hierarchical position towards other agents. The HIS does not seem to fulfill the interactional needs of agents. Conclusions This exploratory study reveals the network structure of a hospital. The cross-functional collaboration, the integration found, and position of managers, coordinators, nurses and doctors suggests a possible gap between organizational perspectives on hospitals and reality. This research sets a basis for further research that should focus on the relation between network structure and performance, on how integration is achieved and in what way organization theory concepts and social network analysis could be used in conjunction with one another.

scholarly journals Public Private Partnership between Local Governments and Nonprofits in Japan

2010 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naoko Okuyama ◽  
Yu Ishida ◽  
Naoto Yamauchi
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Nonprofit Organizations ◽  
Public Service ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Nonprofit Sector ◽  
Public Private Partnership ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Private Partnership ◽  
Public Service Provision

In the framework of public sector reform and the recently popularized concept of a “new public sphere,” attention has been focused on the significance and effectiveness of public private partnership (PPP). However, the smooth operation of PPP practice is yet to be realized, and the nonprofit sector still faces challenges in becoming a government partner in public service provision. We examine government behavior in PPP practice and its stance on partnership practice and collaborative relations with contemporary nonprofit organizations. Through public finance statistics and a unique set of variables, an empirical analysis reveals that the existence of nonprofit organizations (NPOs) positively affects local government decisions to implement PPP practices and outsource to NPOs for public service provision. Other influential factors include local governments’ budgetary conditions, attitudes towards public administration and finance, local chief executive characteristics, and neighboring local government behaviors.

scholarly journals Identifying Integration and Differentiation in a Hospital’s Logistical System: A social network analysis of a case study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annelies van der Ham ◽  
Frits Van Merode ◽  
Dirk Ruwaard ◽  
Arno Van Raak
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Social Network Analysis ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Network Structure ◽  
Organization Theory ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Study Research ◽  
And Performance

Abstract Background Integration, the coordination and alignment of tasks, has been promoted widely in order to improve the performance of hospitals. Both organization theory and social network analysis offer perspectives on integration. This exploratory study research aims to understand how a hospital’s logistical system works, and in particular to what extent there is integration and differentiation. More specifically, it first describes how a hospital organizes logistical processes; second, it identifies the agents and the interactions for organizing logistical processes, and, third, it establishes the extent to which tasks are segmented into subsystems, which is referred to as differentiation, and whether these tasks are coordinated and aligned, thus achieving integration. Methods The study is based on case study research carried out in a hospital in the Netherlands. All logistical tasks that are executed for surgery patients were studied. Using a mixed method, data were collected from the Hospital Information System (HIS), documentation, observations and interviews. These data were used to perform a social network analysis and calculate the network metrics of the hospital network. Results This paper shows that 23 tasks are executed by 635 different agents who interact through 31,499 interaction links. The social network of the hospital demonstrates both integration and differentiation. The network appears to function differently from what is assumed in literature, as the network does not reflect the formal organizational structure of the hospital, and tasks are mainly executed across functional silos. Nurses and physicians perform integrative tasks and two agents who mainly coordinate the tasks in the network, have no hierarchical position towards other agents. The HIS does not seem to fulfill the interactional needs of agents. Conclusions This exploratory study reveals the network structure of a hospital. The cross-functional collaboration, the integration found, and position of managers, coordinators, nurses and doctors suggests a possible gap between organizational perspectives on hospitals and reality. This research sets a basis for further research that should focus on the relation between network structure and performance, on how integration is achieved and in what way organization theory concepts and social network analysis could be used in conjunction with one another.

CHOICES

2017 ◽  
pp. 157-179
Author(s):  
Leigh Nanney Hersey
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Nonprofit Organizations ◽  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Nonprofit Sector ◽  
The United States ◽  
Red Cross ◽  
American Red Cross ◽  
The Public ◽  
Use Of Social Media

Social media is increasing becoming a prominent tool in today's nonprofit sector. By 2010, the largest 200 nonprofit organizations in the United States used social media as a tool to meet their goals (Barnes, n.d.). According to those surveyed the top reason for using social media is for increasing awareness of the organization's mission (90%). In studying the American Red Cross' use of social media, Briones, et al. (2011) found that the use of social media built relationships with the public. This chapter explores the success of a mid-sized nonprofit organization, CHOICES: Memphis Center for Reproductive Health, as it develops a strategic social media plan to increase awareness and support for the organization. Through this case study, we will address how this organization has used social media to advance its mission and the process used to develop performance metrics along the way.

scholarly journals Examining networked NGO services: reconceptualising value co-creation

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (7) ◽  
pp. 1540-1561 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernadette Best ◽  
Sandra Moffett ◽  
Claire Hannibal ◽  
Rodney McAdam
Keyword(s):  
Service Provision ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Contracts ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
And Performance ◽  
And Function ◽  
Internal Stakeholders

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explain how value is co-created in a many-to-many (MTM) context. The authors use a case study of a non-governmental service delivery consortium engaging multiple actors to examine how value is co-created beyond the buyer-supplier dyad. Design/methodology/approach An explanatory case study of a consortium of seven UK non-governmental organisations (NGOs) delivering public service contracts is presented. Multiple data collection methods are combined; semi-structured interviews (n=30) and focus groups with internal stakeholders (n=5), participant observations (n=4) and document analysis. Findings The authors use three illustrative empirical examples to show how different sources, types, enablers and mechanisms of VCC are evident during service provision activities. The findings show how different service provision activities utilise different dimensions, leading the authors to suggest that dimensions of VCC may be context dependent. Research limitations/implications As consortia differ in their context and function, the findings may not be generalisable. Nevertheless, they provide specific examples of sources, types, enablers and mechanisms of value co-creation (VCC) that may be applicable to private, public and NGOs. Practical implications Understanding how value is co-created with multiple stakeholders can offer competitive advantages likely to lead to improved sustainability, impact and performance. Originality/value The empirical study offers a reconceptualisation of VCC in a MTM context. The paper combines disparate perspectives of VCC to offer a more holistic perspective.

scholarly journals Revenue diversification as a strategic response by Canada’s nonprofit sector

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary K. Foster ◽  
Agnes G. Meinhard
Keyword(s):  
Nonprofit Organizations ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Nonprofit Sector ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Government Policies ◽  
Policy Changes ◽  
Revenue Diversification ◽  
Strategic Response ◽  
Working Paper ◽  
Track Record

Government policies in Canada have taken a “hard right turn” and tax cuts now have priority over investing in social programming. Both federal and provincial governments have been withdrawing from direct service provision with the expectation that the nonprofit sector will fill in the gap. At the same time, traditional government support for the sector has declined, which limits organizations’ ability to meet their current service demands. Using a sample of 645 organizations from across Canada, this paper explores the use of revenue diversification as a response to policy changes. The findings indicate that while nonprofit organizations in Canada have embraced revenue diversification to support program delivery, the extent of diversification is influenced by size, whether the organization is run by women or not, whether it is a relatively new organization or one with a long history and track record, and whether its mandate has a broad or narrow appeal. Keywords: CVSS, Centre for Voluntary Sector Studies, Working Paper Series,TRSM, Ted Rogers School of Management Citation:

scholarly journals Identifying integration and differentiation in a Hospital’s logistical system: a social network analysis of a case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annelies van der Ham ◽  
Frits van Merode ◽  
Dirk Ruwaard ◽  
Arno van Raak
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Social Network Analysis ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Network Structure ◽  
Organization Theory ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Study Research ◽  
And Performance

Abstract Background Integration, the coordination and alignment of tasks, has been promoted widely in order to improve the performance of hospitals. Both organization theory and social network analysis offer perspectives on integration. This exploratory study research aims to understand how a hospital’s logistical system works, and in particular to what extent there is integration and differentiation. More specifically, it first describes how a hospital organizes logistical processes; second, it identifies the agents and the interactions for organizing logistical processes, and, third, it establishes the extent to which tasks are segmented into subsystems, which is referred to as differentiation, and whether these tasks are coordinated and aligned, thus achieving integration. Methods The study is based on case study research carried out in a hospital in the Netherlands. All logistical tasks that are executed for surgery patients were studied. Using a mixed method, data were collected from the Hospital Information System (HIS), documentation, observations and interviews. These data were used to perform a social network analysis and calculate the network metrics of the hospital network. Results This paper shows that 23 tasks are executed by 635 different agents who interact through 31,499 interaction links. The social network of the hospital demonstrates both integration and differentiation. The network appears to function differently from what is assumed in literature, as the network does not reflect the formal organizational structure of the hospital, and tasks are mainly executed across functional silos. Nurses and physicians perform integrative tasks and two agents who mainly coordinate the tasks in the network, have no hierarchical position towards other agents. The HIS does not seem to fulfill the interactional needs of agents. Conclusions This exploratory study reveals the network structure of a hospital. The cross-functional collaboration, the integration found, and position of managers, coordinators, nurses and doctors suggests a possible gap between organizational perspectives on hospitals and reality. This research sets a basis for further research that should focus on the relation between network structure and performance, on how integration is achieved and in what way organization theory concepts and social network analysis could be used in conjunction with one another.

scholarly journals Revenue diversification as a strategic response by Canada’s nonprofit sector

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary K. Foster ◽  
Agnes G. Meinhard
Keyword(s):  
Nonprofit Organizations ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Nonprofit Sector ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Government Policies ◽  
Policy Changes ◽  
Revenue Diversification ◽  
Strategic Response ◽  
Working Paper ◽  
Track Record

Government policies in Canada have taken a “hard right turn” and tax cuts now have priority over investing in social programming. Both federal and provincial governments have been withdrawing from direct service provision with the expectation that the nonprofit sector will fill in the gap. At the same time, traditional government support for the sector has declined, which limits organizations’ ability to meet their current service demands. Using a sample of 645 organizations from across Canada, this paper explores the use of revenue diversification as a response to policy changes. The findings indicate that while nonprofit organizations in Canada have embraced revenue diversification to support program delivery, the extent of diversification is influenced by size, whether the organization is run by women or not, whether it is a relatively new organization or one with a long history and track record, and whether its mandate has a broad or narrow appeal. Keywords: CVSS, Centre for Voluntary Sector Studies, Working Paper Series,TRSM, Ted Rogers School of Management Citation:

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