Aligning with the environment? Examining nonprofit governance structures across complex stakeholder environments

• In Event: Networks

Abstract

This paper explores governance structures of three international membership nonprofits against the backdrop of their complex stakeholder environments. Using an original survey, data were collected from the board chairs, board members, managerial executives, and managers. Secondary data, such as ethical codes of conduct, bylaws, constitutional documents, and policies, enriched the analysis. Findings based on a cross-case analysis of the multiple case studies revealed ways in which international nonprofits account for complex stakeholder environments in their governance structure. The evidence is structured along board, committee, and external expert levels. We mainly observe, under a wide variety of external pressures, a strong focus on funding ties in the governance structures of our cases. This paper improves our understanding of the relationship between a nonprofit’s environment and its governance structures.
Keywords: board, governance, international nonprofit, external environment, stakeholder representation

References

Relevant references:
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Renz, D. O., & Herman, R. D. (2016). The Jossey-Bass handbook of nonprofit leadership and
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Authors

• Emma Willems, Vrije Universiteit Brussel

• Stijn Van Puyvelde, University of Antwerp

• Marc Jegers, Vrije Universiteit Brussels