Date

8-2025

ESRP 9000 Professor

Sandy Underhill, Ed.D.

ESRP 9001 Professor

Sandy Underhill, Ed.D.

Executive Summary

Improving Staff Morale for a Nonprofit Organization's Sustainability: A Strategic Research Project. Gina O. Barrios, 2025: Strategic Research Project, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. Keywords: family planning, staff morale, motivation, psychological safety, safety net, sexual and reproductive health

This strategic research project was designed to provide a viable strategy and action plan for the sustainability of a nonprofit organization facing financial and operational challenges due to changes in the funding landscape. A thorough evaluation of the organization’s current internal and external environments aided by a strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats analysis highlighted an imminent risk to the long-term sustainability of this organization. After identifying several significant challenges, together with the history, purpose, mission, and vision of the organization, the problem of low staff morale was selected from the identified weaknesses. Addressing this problem will be critical to supporting the work ahead for the organization; from encouraging participation in decision making to supporting creativity and innovation.

Utilizing the quantitative strategic planning matrix tool to evaluate the attractiveness of strategies for addressing the problem, cultivating psychological safety was selected as the most appropriate strategy. This strategy received the highest overall total attractiveness score of 4.50 when rated for its appeal, low cost, and potential impact for improving staff morale and enlisting their commitment and support. Consequently, an action plan for implementing the strategy was developed, which included (a) securing buy-in from leadership, (b) assessing the current level of psychological safety, (c) actions and interventions for instilling and cultivating psychological safety practices, and (d) organization-wide post-engagement assessment.

The literature reviewed for this research project, as well as the literature on psychological safety, provide strong support for the implementation of this strategy. An important recommendation is for leaders to evaluate the level of employee participation and engagement as they implement the strategy. As employees perceive more psychological safety, they will be more invested in supporting team innovation and creative work. The sustainability of nonprofit organizations may be approached not only from a financial perspective, but also from that of improving staff morale.

Document Type

Strategic Research Project-NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education

Concentration

Organizational Leadership

Language

English

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