Nonprofit Governance

Research Paper Proposal Outline

The recruitment of capable and committed prospective directors has become more competitive in the nonprofit sector

Topic

The sharp increase in the number of nonprofit organizations over the past fifteen years has adversely affected board governance because, among other reasons, the pool of capable and committed prospective directors has become more competitive.

I. Introduction

Board of directors' position is held to be of strategic importance in the governance of nonprofit organizations. There has been a significant rise in the demand for the qualified board of directors in the nonprofit sector which has resulted ingrowing competition in selecting the board of directors.

Most organizations depend on referrals from the existing board members to get qualified Boardof Directors which has proved to be ineffective and inefficient. Nonprofit organizations have to come up with new ways of recruiting new board members in a more competitive environment.

It is important to assess the characteristics of the board member candidates to establish whether they have the right qualities for the job and will strive to achieve the mission and vision of the organization. Also identifying the right place to spot potential candidates such as from the list of major donors or volunteers, is very important.

I. Statement of the Problem

The growth in demand for qualified Board of Directors in a competitive environment for the nonprofit organizations has led to the poor selection of candidates. A well-defined structure and method of selecting Board of directors are missing, therefore posing a great challenge in the selection of qualified Board members.

Objectives

1. To identify proper methods of recruiting new board members.

2. To identify the right areas to locate potential candidates.

3. What are requirements needed for one to qualify as a board member.

Research Questions

1. How should boards recruit new board members in a more competitive environment?

2. Where can candidates be found?

3. Who should contact them?

4. What should be presented to candidates?

5. Do boards need to lower the requirements for serving on the board in order to enlarge their pool of candidates?

I. Define good performance

a) The importance of qualified prospective director

b) Case study about what should a good director do. The introduction of its duties, skills, responsibilities, and other capabilities on work.

II. Define poor performance

a) Case study about poor performance from the director could lead to a major disaster

III. Raise awareness/Suggestions

a) Board members should clear about their obligations, duties, and responsibilities

b) To have a public education/awareness campaign in order to gain trusts and encourage people to join the nonprofit sector.

c) To have a well-developed code of conducts for board members to follow and monitor

d) To have a training program/orientation for incoming board members

V. Conclusion

The recruitment process for prospective directors in the nonprofit sector is becoming more and more competitive. In order to fill the gap between the fast-paced nonprofit organizations and the significant demand of the professionals, focusing more on the education and policy-making aspects are the fundamental actions to be considered.

The poor performance of the board directors is threatening the development of nonprofit organizations. There should be more guidelines and principles for nonprofits on selecting board members.

Meanwhile, by delivering a series of public awareness campaigns, it will provide the opportunities to inspire the public to pay higher attention to the nonprofit sector and eventually some of them will devote their career as board members.