LibGuides: BCOR 3610: Managing People and Organizations: Class Activity

Current Issues and Non-Profit Organizations

Discuss for 10 minutes:

Which challenge do you think is the most critical to the nonprofit’s success?
What factors might be contributing to this challenge (e.g., leadership, motivation, communication, structure)?

Presentation to Class:

Organizational Behavior Theory: Scientific Management

Emerson Avenue Community Garden
As a garden focused on education and community building, we recognize that just as biodiversity is critical to a healthy ecosystem, diversity in people and perspectives makes our organization and community stronger. EACGC is committed to creating an environment in our garden where everyone’s voice is heard, and everyone feels safe and welcome.

Organizational Behavior Theory: Human Relations Theory

Samaritan’s Purse
Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the Church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Employee burnout due to the intensity of work and high community needs
Lack of communication in terms of the tasks they need to complete
Retention challenges (hard to retain staff members due to low pay and demanding roles)

Organizational Behavior Theory: McClelland's Theory of Needs

A Place Called Home
At APCH, young people define their values, develop their gifts, strengthen their skills, and build resources and relationships to realize their goals and aspirations. Along the way, they learn that their voices are important, and that they can contribute to making the world a better, more just and equitable place for everyone.

Lack of structured training for volunteers (connected to lack of effective leadership and coordinated efforts to lead the volunteer group)
Limited benefits for volunteers (potential impact on long-term volunteer retention)

Organizational Behavior Theory: Five-Factor Model of Personality

The Lovejoy Foundation
At The Lovejoy Foundation, we believe that every animal deserves a chance at a loving and fulfilling life. We are an organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs in need, with a focus on finding them their forever homes. Our mission is to make a positive impact on the lives of animals and the communities we serve.

Lack of structured training for volunteers (connected to lack of effective leadership and coordinated efforts to lead the volunteer group)
Limited benefits for volunteers (potential impact on long-term volunteer retention)

Organizational Behavior Theory: Theory of Planned Behavior

L.A. Works
L.A. Works was founded in 1991 to harness LA’s volunteer power. Each year we mobilize more than 25,000 volunteers to address critical issues impacting our community, with the goal to unite Angelenos and inspire action for a more equitable Los Angeles.

Challenges of managing talent (acquiring and assessing skilled and motivated volunteers and employees)
Challenges of improving job performance (individual incentives, creating an organizational culture that makes individuals feel valued, ethical practices)

Organizational Behavior Theory: Stereotype Threat

Heal the Bay
Beach and neighborhood cleanups are just the beginning. Heal the Bay staff work to mobilize LA’s diverse communities to protect our coastline, restore our waterways, and speak out for clean water policy across our watersheds.