Concise Introduction to Nonprofit Governance
Published on 4. July 2025
Book
Hardback
180 pages
978-1-0353-2847-5 (ISBN)
Description
Patricia Bradshaw provides a concise and comprehensive overview of governance in the nonprofit sector, discussing the responsibilities of boards and how these are fulfilled across the nonprofit sector. Drawing on interpretive, structural and political perspectives on nonprofit governance, she examines contingency factors, including how the external environment impacts the choice of board structures and processes.
Bradshaw explores the significance of a nonprofit's size, purpose and ideology, presenting a range of governance configurations with a framework to assist in determining which model is most suited to a particular board. Chapters encourage critical thinking and propose collaborative approaches to understanding and participating in governance. They challenge the one-best-model approach and demonstrate a range of alternative approaches to governance, outlining board processes from a political viewpoint. Blending theory with practical approaches, Bradshaw engages with emerging principles within the field, including decolonization, social justice and equity, and sheds light on alternative models and sources of power.
Concise Introduction to Nonprofit Governance is a vital resource for students in social studies, business, public policy, and non-profit governance. Its valuable insights will also greatly benefit non-profit boards and consultants in nonprofit governance.
Bradshaw explores the significance of a nonprofit's size, purpose and ideology, presenting a range of governance configurations with a framework to assist in determining which model is most suited to a particular board. Chapters encourage critical thinking and propose collaborative approaches to understanding and participating in governance. They challenge the one-best-model approach and demonstrate a range of alternative approaches to governance, outlining board processes from a political viewpoint. Blending theory with practical approaches, Bradshaw engages with emerging principles within the field, including decolonization, social justice and equity, and sheds light on alternative models and sources of power.
Concise Introduction to Nonprofit Governance is a vital resource for students in social studies, business, public policy, and non-profit governance. Its valuable insights will also greatly benefit non-profit boards and consultants in nonprofit governance.
Reviews / Votes
'Pat Bradshaw's Concise Introduction to Nonprofit Governance is a groundbreaking work that lifts up the importance of understanding power dynamics in nonprofit governance. As a respected leader in the field, Bradshaw builds on her established research to offer fresh, transformative insights that will significantly propel nonprofit governance forward. This book is an essential read for all nonprofit board members, governance researchers, and for consultants seeking to improve the effectiveness of nonprofit governance and boards.' -- Judy Freiwirth, Psy.D., Nonprofit Solutions Associates: Chair, Governance Section, Association for Nonprofit Research and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) 'Bradshaw's Concise Introduction to Nonprofit Governance is an invaluable resource to those who seek to better understand the characteristics, complexities, and dynamics of nonprofit governance and how we can continue to develop our boards and enhance their capacity to govern responsively and effectively in an increasingly complex and dynamic world. It is an excellent addition to the literature of our field!' -- David O. Renz, University of Missouri - Kansas City, USA 'Dr. Bradshaw is the foremost authority on nonprofit governance. This book is a natural extension of her graceful way of presenting complex material in a manner that is accessible, engaging and clear. For both newcomers to the governance space and experts within it, this book provides an invaluable roadmap.' -- Susanna Kislenko, University of Oxford, UKMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cheltenham
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 138 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-0353-2847-5 (9781035328475)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Patricia Bradshaw, Professor Emerita, Sobey School of Business, Saint Mary's University, Canada
Content
Contents
Preface
1 Introduction to nonprofit governance
2 Governance responsibilities of boards in nonprofit organizations
3 Theoretical perspectives informing practice and thinking about nonprofit governance
4 Nonprofit governance processes: a political perspective
5 Nonprofit governance and the impact of organizational ideology, purpose, and founding
6 Nonprofit board structure: a contigency perspective
7 Nonprofit governance at the interorganizational level of analysis
8 Conclusion and highlights about governance of nonprofits
Bibliography
Index
Preface
1 Introduction to nonprofit governance
2 Governance responsibilities of boards in nonprofit organizations
3 Theoretical perspectives informing practice and thinking about nonprofit governance
4 Nonprofit governance processes: a political perspective
5 Nonprofit governance and the impact of organizational ideology, purpose, and founding
6 Nonprofit board structure: a contigency perspective
7 Nonprofit governance at the interorganizational level of analysis
8 Conclusion and highlights about governance of nonprofits
Bibliography
Index