Adaptive Capacities of Nonprofits in Crisis: Insights from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Type of Presentation
Paper
Location
University Library - D2401A
Start Date
4-18-2024 10:00 AM
End Date
4-18-2024 10:40 AM
Description of Program
This study investigates nonprofit responses to COVID-19, aiming to understand how leadership preparedness to deal with uncertainty influences nonprofit performance during challenging times and whether expertise in managing remote teams, utilizing technology, and supporting employees' mental health stimulates nonprofits’ capacity to effectively adapt their services and workforce to crisis conditions.
Abstract
Nonprofits are faced with a myriad of challenges due to changing external factors such as funding, regulations, and competition. To ensure their survival, adaptive capacities are crucial, especially during unexpected crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Research has shown that factors such as resource availability, leadership, and strategic planning play a significant role in promoting adaptive capacity in nonprofits. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of nonprofit adaptive capacities by analyzing how nonprofit fiscal conditions, board preparedness, and dependence on government funding impacted nonprofit responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also examines the extent to which nonprofit leaders' lack of knowledge in critical areas for adapting to the pandemic context, such as technology, crisis management, and HR management, incites concerns about their ability to sustain employees and reach vulnerable populations. The study findings suggest that organizations with stronger financial resources and well-prepared boards were better able to adapt to the crisis. Nonprofits that relied more heavily on government funding were also better positioned to adapt. However, those lacking knowledge in critical areas such as crisis management, HR management, and technology feared they would not be able to sustain their employees or reach vulnerable populations. The study highlights the importance of prioritizing fiscal capacity, building crisis-ready boards, seeking government funding opportunities, and investing in relevant knowledge-building to maintain service provision and support staff. The findings have broad implications for the nonprofit community and may inform the development of policies and programs.
Presentation File
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Adaptive Capacities of Nonprofits in Crisis: Insights from the COVID-19 Pandemic
University Library - D2401A
Nonprofits are faced with a myriad of challenges due to changing external factors such as funding, regulations, and competition. To ensure their survival, adaptive capacities are crucial, especially during unexpected crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Research has shown that factors such as resource availability, leadership, and strategic planning play a significant role in promoting adaptive capacity in nonprofits. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of nonprofit adaptive capacities by analyzing how nonprofit fiscal conditions, board preparedness, and dependence on government funding impacted nonprofit responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also examines the extent to which nonprofit leaders' lack of knowledge in critical areas for adapting to the pandemic context, such as technology, crisis management, and HR management, incites concerns about their ability to sustain employees and reach vulnerable populations. The study findings suggest that organizations with stronger financial resources and well-prepared boards were better able to adapt to the crisis. Nonprofits that relied more heavily on government funding were also better positioned to adapt. However, those lacking knowledge in critical areas such as crisis management, HR management, and technology feared they would not be able to sustain their employees or reach vulnerable populations. The study highlights the importance of prioritizing fiscal capacity, building crisis-ready boards, seeking government funding opportunities, and investing in relevant knowledge-building to maintain service provision and support staff. The findings have broad implications for the nonprofit community and may inform the development of policies and programs.