Explore

The Factors that Influence the Effectiveness of Boards and the Governance Process

Approx. 13 hours to complete

Save Course

Go to Course

Course Summary

This course provides an overview of the challenges faced by nonprofit organizations and their leaders in managing government relations, advocating for their causes, and mobilizing supporters.

Key Learning Points

Learn about the role of government in the nonprofit sector
Gain insights into the importance of advocacy and lobbying
Discover effective strategies for mobilizing supporters

Learning Outcomes

Develop strategies for government relations and advocacy
Understand the role of community organizing in nonprofit work
Learn how to effectively mobilize supporters for your cause

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic understanding of nonprofit organizations
Interest in government relations and advocacy

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Self-paced
Online

Similar Courses

Grant Writing and Fundraising
Nonprofit Financial Planning and Analysis

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Founder of Nonprofit AF
Nonprofit Trainer, Speaker, and Author

Related Books

Description

The third course in this Specialization introduces you to the factors that influence how effective boards of directors will be in carrying out their roles and responsibilities and hence the impact they have in shaping the success of the organization they govern. While this course has been developed with North American culture in mind, we do appreciate that, in other parts of the world, the nature of the factors that influence the effectiveness of nonprofit boards of directors may vary. Nevertheless,it is our hope that much of the course content will still be of value to those in other parts of the world.

To learn more about this course, please watch the overview video by copying and pasting the following link into your web browser: https://goo.gl/aAMIfl. Keywords: Nonprofit; Nonprofit Sector; Voluntary Sector; Nonprofit Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, Volunteer Organizations, Leadership, Management, Governance, Board, Board of Directors, Performance, Effectiveness Course 3 Overview: Week 1: This week's questions: What factors influence the effectiveness of board meetings? What are the formal procedures and structures within the board that impact its performance? What can a board do to intentionally improve the way it structures itself and runs its decision making meetings? Week 2: This week's questions: What do we mean by board composition and development and why is it important? Why is it difficult to change the composition of the board? How do you design the ideal mix of board members? How do you locate, recruit and develop board members? Week 3: This week's questions: What do we mean by the "culture" of the board and why is it important? How do boards develop and pass along culture? Can board cultures be intentionally changed? What is the role of leadership in shaping board culture? What do effective nonprofit leaders involved in governance do? How can leadership be managed for higher performance? Week 4: At this stage, you are asked to review the course content, submit a written assignment (known lightheartedly as a BEAR (Board Effectiveness Readiness Assessment), and take two multiple choice Readiness Assurance Tests (known similarly as RATs). One RAT will assess knowledge and reading comprehension and the other will test application of knowledge within a practical case. Week 5: We will encourage you to discuss the RATs in the discussion forums and take them again should you wish to change any of your answers based on the information exchanged.

Outline

Board Operating Procedures, Structures, and Meetings
Specialization Welcome Video
Course 3 Overview Video
Course 4 (Capstone Project) Overview
Week 1 Lecture
Week 1 Guest Interview with Will Brown on Board Engagement
Interview with Dr. Laura Schweitzer: Leadership and Governance of Nonprofit Organizations from a Practitioner Perspective
Conceptual Framework of the Elements of Board Effectiveness
Professor Vic Murray summarizes the design of the board assessment
Course 3 Teaching and Learning Overview
Required and Recommended Texts
Week 1 Key Questions and Competencies
Week 1 Readings and Resources
Discuss Case Study
Course Project Overview
Option 1: Working With a Real Board
Option 2: Working With a Fictitious Board
Week 1

The Composition and Development of the Board
Week 2 Lecture
Week 2 Guest Interview with Pat Bradshaw on Board Diversity
Conceptual Framework of the Elements of Board Effectiveness
Professor Vic Murray summarizes the design of the board assessment
Week 2 Key Questions and Competencies
Week 2 Readings and Resources
Discuss Case Study
Course Project Overview
Option 1: Working With a Real Board
Option 2: Working With a Fictitious Board
Week 2

Board Culture and Leadership
Week 3 Lecture
Week 3 Guest Interview with David O. Renz on Governance Beyond the Board
Conceptual Framework of the Elements of Board Effectiveness
Professor Vic Murray summarizes the design of the board assessment
Week 3 Key Questions and Competencies
Week 3 Readings and Resources
Discuss Case Study
Course Project Overview
Option 1: Working With a Real Board
Option 2: Working With a Fictitious Board
Week 3

Individual Concept Testing and Application
Readiness Assurance Test (RAT)
RAT Application Exercise

Group Concept Testing and Application
RAT Peer Discussion and Polling Instructions
RAT Application Exercise Peer Discussion and Polling
RAT and RAT Application Exercise Discussion and Polling Instructions
RAT Post Peer Learning Forum
RAT Application Exercise Post Peer Learning Forum

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the world of nonprofit governance and learn how to effectively manage a nonprofit organization. This course has received positive reviews from learners who found it insightful and informative.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The course provides a comprehensive overview of nonprofit governance.

Pros from User Reviews

Insightful and informative content
Well-structured course modules
Engaging video lectures
Interactive assignments and quizzes
Great instructor support

Cons from User Reviews

Some assignments were too difficult
Lack of practical examples
Limited discussion forums
Some learners found the course to be too basic
Course material can be overwhelming at times

Recommended for you

Introduction to Data Analytics for Business

This course will expose you to the data analytics practices executed in the business world. Data and Analysis in the Real World...

Save Course

Risk governance: Engage the board

All organisations must grapple with fundamental issues at the heart of governance: who are our stakeholders? What are their objectives? How can we ensure all legitimate stakeholders are treated fairly?...

Save Course

Digitalization in International Relations

About this course: International relations, diplomacy, and foreign policy are being digitalized. These components have significant impacts on diplomacy, world politics, and on our everyday lives, in particular....

Save Course

The Art of Negotiation

The art of negotiation comes into play daily in the life of employees at all levels and in every position. Upon completing this course, you will be able to:...

Save Course