Managing Nonprofits with Entrepreneurship: A Strategic Approach

The thesis is predicated on the premise that successful management of nonprofits for the present and in the future must be entrepreneurial, yet pragmatic. In chapter one, the study begins with an overview of the three economic sectors (public, private and voluntary). In this section is examined the role of the nonprofit sector; its size, and its substantial contribution to the United States economy. In chapter two the study continues in examining the people in the industry and the different types of nonprofit organizations (NPOs). A theory is purported that NPOs will have a more dynamic impact on the future in light of upcoming demographic and social changes which are detailed in chapter three. It is hypothesized that a mix of growing professionalism, traditional altruistic motivations, and trustworthiness, combined with increasing social demand for goods and services will spawn a unique entrepreneurial spirit, characteristic of NPOs. This new breed of NPO entrepreneur will have to operate in a world without consummate profit incentives. Analysis wiU examine the current policy and management techniques and the future implications of these prognosticated , changes. Next the dissertation will progress into a synthesis of the given situation by developing strategic planning techniques for the NPO. These techniques will impact all aspects of the management function with careful attention on the human development process and policy. These are elaborated in part two. In conclusion the dissertation will attempt to show that in a pluralistic economy the NPO entrepreneurial organization of the future, by capitalizing on its strengths and shoring up its weaknesses through appropriate leadership, can carve out a special niche for itself, and continue to respond to societal demand for service in its own inimitable fashion