The impact of innovation management on the performance of NPOs: Applying the Tidd and Bessant model (2009)

The literature is consistent in stating that innovation helps in improving the performance of nonprofit organizations (NPOs), highlighting how there remains the scope for further research designed to better understand the dimension supporting social innovation. Through the application of the Tidd and Bessant model, which reflects an important contribution to this specific sector, this study seeks to meet a shortcoming in analyzing just which innovation management factors influence the performance of NPOs. To this end, we applied a quantitative methodology based on a survey made of Portuguese NPOs that received a total of 135 valid responses. Based upon the application of multiple linear regression models, this study concludes that there are five innovation management models with a positive impact on NPO performance levels. In terms of the implications, these results, consistent with earlier research of a different nature, strengthen the idea that private business sector methods may undergo successful adaptation to the social sector and assist such entities to implement measures that offset their organizational, and consequent financial, weaknesses.