Theses and Dissertations
Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Dissertation - NSU Access Only
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice
Advisor
Linda Gaughan
Committee Member
Gloria Kieley
Keywords
nonprofit, board of directors, arts and culture, governance
Abstract
These are complicated economic times that challenge nonprofit agency leaders. The purpose of this qualitative study was to learn how agency members responded to financially turbulent times. Data collection instruments were interview protocols crafted to learn directly how practices of successful local arts agencies yielded success.
Thematic data analysis with the constant comparison method was used in response to the five research questions. Themes that emerged were that support for the arts organization’s governance structure can take many forms and must be intentionally met. Willingness to serve the purpose of the arts organization is key when selecting board members. Multiple best practices were recommended. First, promoting diverse member skill sets and access to the arts community are important when connecting to the community. Expectations for board members must be clearly communicated and monitored. The organization must create policies and procedures to refrain from overspending. To ensure fiduciary leadership, the organization must plan before a financial crisis occurs. Board member diversity, access, skill, and succession should be in place. Similarly, community engagement ensures diversity which yields equity and inclusion. Importantly, financial records must be transparent, completed early, and available at a moment’s notice. Cause-related marketing, securing government funding, and staying true to the organization’s greatest needs for service and funding are also key findings. When addressing diversity and inclusion, with the possibility of financial distress in mind, interviewees recommended teaching artists the business side of the arts and instilling the mindset that diversity enriches.
Future research relevant to reach organization’s specific needs should be planned and carried out by the organizations themselves.
NSUWorks Citation
Mischelle Anderson Fields. 2024. A Generic Qualitative Study of Decision Making in Nonprofit Organizations During Times of Fiscal Distress. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. (671)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/fse_etd/671.
