Date

4-17-2026

ESRP 9000 Professor

Sandy Underhill, Ed.D.

ESRP 9001 Professor

Sandy Underhill, Ed.D.

Executive Summary

Strengthening Brand Reputation and Organizational Impact Through the Implementation of a Corporate Social Responsibility Task Force: A Strategic Research Plan. Jamie Gibson, 2026: Strategic Research Project, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. Keywords: corporate social responsibility, governance, non-profit organization, organizational reputation, transformative practices and sustainability.

This strategic research project employed a mixed methods research design that integrated both quantitative strategic analysis tools and qualitative evidence to guide the implementation of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) task force. Specifically, the tools used were the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analysis, along with the Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) and External Factor Evaluation (EFE) matrices. These tools provided a structured data-driven approach to identify performance gaps within the nonprofit Goodwill Industries. These quantitative tools assign weighted scores to internal and external factors allowing subjective perceptions to be translated into measurable data.

The identified gap that emerged from the threat section of the SWOT analysis is brand reputation risk. External pressures highlighted vulnerabilities that could negatively impact long-term sustainability and performance. Supporting data from the EFE matrix reinforced the significance of this threat, indicating that the organization’s current strategies were not adequately responding to external challenges. To better understand this issue, qualitative literature was reviewed and provided evidence-based insights into similar organizational challenges, reinforcing the need for strategic intervention.

To address this problem, multiple alternative strategies were assessed to determine the most effective course of action. The Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) was utilized to objectively evaluate these alternatives by assigning attractiveness scores. This process ensured that the selected strategy, implementing a CSR Task force was quantitatively justified. This strategy emerged as the most suitable option due to its alignment with organizational strengths.

Overall, the integration of quantitative tools such as SWOT, IFE, EFE, and QSPM enabled a systematic and evidence-based decision-making process. The qualitative research provided the contextual depth necessary to support these findings. Finally, the action plan focuses on clearly defined goals aimed at addressing the identified gap, enhancing organizational resilience, and promoting sustainable outcomes. These goals include developing the CSR strategy and implementation framework, conducting brand reputation risk assessments, implementing CSR initiatives and internal engagement, and implementing targeted initiatives that align with both data-driven insights and best practices identified in the literature.

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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