Assignment: Nonprofit Organization

Length: 2-3 pages answer

There are different views of organizational structure relative to the role of the board. One is a model sometimes referred to as a "leader-led" organization where the CEO is the primary leader of the organization and the board is appointed and serves at the leader's discretion. One example of this would be an independent church structure where the pastor is "appointed by God" and the board is there to merely fulfill legal requirements and serve according to the pastor's direction and discretion. A second model, sometimes referred to as "a board-led" (or "board-managed") organization, is where the board retains substantial control and significantly inserts itself into the day-to-day operations of the organization. Several denominational type churches might utilize this model. A third model, championed in your text, is referred to as "board-centered" leadership, where the organizational structure calls for a clearly defined delineation of roles for the CEO vs. the board. However, this model also focuses on several characteristices that are commonly implemented if it is to be successfully utilized and optimized.

1. What are the advantages/disadvantages of each of the three models?

2. How would you explain "board-centered" leadership and what are the critical characteristics that are associated with successfully optimized "board-centered" leadership?

3. What are the differences in the activities the paid executives are responsible for and the activitesthe board is responsible for?

4. What do you believe to be the optimal structure/model and why? Does it make a difference as to the type of organization or the stage of the organizational lifecycle the organization is in - start-up vs. growth vs. maturity vs. decline?

5. What role does diversity play in creating an optimal board? What types of diversity would you envision for the optimal board?

6. Should the CEO and/or other paid executives of the organization be on the board? If so, how many is acceptable and what official roles should they play?