Drawing on our experiences in developing a new governance model for the Canadian Health Network, in this paper we argue that there is currently no agreement about a prescriptive or ideal model of non-profit governance. Rather we suggest that within the current diversity of thought about governance there is an exciting opportunity to create new models which are hybrids of existing and emerging models with the selection of the best model based on a contingency approach. The paper begins with a review and critique of the normative and academic literatures on non-profit boards looking at the assumptions which inform each. The paper then characterises existing governance models along two dimensions: established vs. innovative and unitary vs. pluralistic. This provides us with a way of mapping current perspectives according to four different models; the Policy Governance model, the Entrepreneurial model, the Constituency model and the Emergent Cellular model. The paper briefly describes the characteristics of each model and outlines the positive and negative features of each. The paper concludes by describing a new hybrid model which embraces the strengths of each model and also capitalises on some of the new ways of framing management in turbulent times.
Evaluation is a key tool in efforts to improve accountability and performance in the operation of the international humanitarian aid system. However, humanitarian aid has been subjected to less rigorous monitoring and evaluation procedures than those applied to development aid. As the share of...
While each NGO fora is unique in its membership, structure, scope and strategic direction, this brief guide to delivering joint advocacy has been developed to be relevant to humanitarian NGO fora of any size or scale. The components within the guide can be used together, or individually, and may be...
As nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) have burgeoned throughout the developing world, they have become an undeniably powerful “third sector.” These organisations deliver services, build infrastructure, and advocate for policy change. NGOs have begun to establish and participate in networks within...
