Theory and Concepts of the Nonprofit Sector II

1 Course Unit

Organizational dynamics and its implications for understanding and managing nonprofit organizations. This course examines organizational dynamics within nonprofit organizations, with a focus on how structures, cultures, and power relations shape behavior and performance. Students analyze how nonprofits adapt to complex environments involving multiple stakeholders, resource constraints, and mission-driven goals. The course explores formal and informal organizational processes, including governance, leadership, decision-making, and internal politics. Attention is given to collaboration, conflict, and accountability within and across organizations. Students engage with theories from organizational sociology, management, and public administration, applying them to nonprofit contexts. Empirical cases and applied exercises are used to assess organizational change, effectiveness, and resilience. The course emphasizes analytical frameworks that support strategic diagnosis and organizational design in mission-oriented settings. Spring 1 Course Unit