Evolution of a Nonprofit Board of Directors

Abstract

Nonprofits add value to the communities they serve; therefore, knowing how to achieve effective board leadership is valuable information. Governing nonprofit boards are comprised of volunteers who have the legal and fiduciary responsibility for carrying out the mission of an agency within appropriate federal and state law. This case examines the complex social system of a community-based nonprofit board of directors for Hope Center, an agency whose mission is to serve homeless children and their families. It uses the experiences of Juanita, a board member of Hope Center, and asks how to establish effectiveness in a nonprofit board in the United States. This case encourages students to use the life stage model as a means to judge the relationships between organizational effectiveness and the ability of a nonprofit to adapt to constantly changing conditions.

This case was prepared for inclusion in Sage Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.

2024 Sage Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

You are not authorized to view Teaching Notes. Please contact your librarian for instructor access or sign in to your existing instructor profile.
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles