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A Foundation’S Theory Of Philanthropy: What It Is, What It Provides, How To Do It – With 2024 Prologue, Michael Quinn Patton, Nathaniel Foote, James Radner

The Foundation Review

Editor’s Note: This article, first published in print and online in 2015, has been republished by The Foundation Review with minor updates.

This article argues that philanthropic endeavors should be undergirded by a theory of philanthropy. Articulating a theory of philanthropy is a way for a foundation to make explicit what is often only implicit, thereby enabling internal and external actors to pose and resolve significant questions, understand and play important roles more fully and effectively, and improve performance by enhancing alignment across complex systems.

A theory of philanthropy articulates how and why a foundation will use its resources to …

Passing In The Dark: Making Visible Philanthropy’S Hidden And Conflicting Mental Models For Systems Change, Jewlya Lynn, Julia Coffman

The Foundation Review

While the need for philanthropy to focus on systems change as a way to scale and sustain impact is now widely accepted, we see the sector largely failing to recognize that there are different mental models for how to change systems. Sometimes the approaches foundations use are based on competing mental models or models that are not a good fit for the systems, problems, strategies, or practices they are using.

We see two mental models for systems change being used in philanthropy: systems dynamics and systems emergence. Strategies that use the systems-dynamics mental model aim at points of high leverage …

Marketing Doctrines, A Resurrection Guide: Review Of The Art Of Strategic Marketing War: Pearls Of Wardom (2019) By Pete Jeans, Tugberk Kara

Markets, Globalization & Development Review

No abstract provided.

Why Foundations? The Theory And Strategy Of The General-Purpose Foundation, Samsher (Sam) Singh Gill

The Foundation Review

As foundations increasingly grapple with the penetration of socioeconomic dissension into every facet of our country’s public culture, it has become difficult to evade the moral salience of whether philanthropic wealth aggregation and allocation reflect or even entrench the structures of material accumulation many now see at the root of declining support for liberalism across advanced economies.

This essay argues that contrary to growing internal and external anxieties about the role and legitimacy of general-purpose foundations in the United States, there is a sound theoretical expression of them as an essential institution in a liberal democracy. The core principle of …

Building On A Decade Of Hope: Why We Must Champion The Human Experience, Jason A. Wolf

Patient Experience Journal

The pages of PXJ have served a primary purpose, to expand the evidence on patient experience and push the boundaries of innovation in this critical work. But through this commitment, PXJ has seen much more happen. The contributions of our thousands of authors, reviewers and editors have also fostered an environment of connection. PXJ has emerged as something more than just a journal. It has become a place for conversation. It has served as a conduit for expanding excellence in practice. It has fostered new thinking. And it has broadened our global community. There is something very special found on …

Decentralization And Centralization In Sociocratic Organizations—Dynamics, Combinations, And Hybrid Solutions, Ted Rau, Phd

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

The article discusses the interplay between decentralized and centralized aspects of governance in the context of decentralized self-governance and shares learnings from Sociocracy For All’s (SoFA) experience, including that decentralization is an active process that requires preparation, budget, strategy, and information can act as centralizing forces, and decentralization requires different ways of thinking about responsibility and leadership. SoFA is a young membership organization founded in 2016 promoting sociocracy, a governance system with consent-based decision-making in small groups, in nonprofits and other organizations.

Pulte Homes – Reimagining The Homebuilding Industry, Daniel Chaffin, Susan Jensen

Mountain Plains Journal of Business and Technology

In 2016, William J. (Bill) Pulte, founder, and Pulte Homes’ largest shareholder called for the resignation of CEO Richard Dugas. In his letter to the board of directors, Bill stated the value creation strategy first proposed by Dugas in 2005 had been a major failure. Dugas had a bold vision and intriguing rationale for radically reshaping what he termed the “sleepy” homebuilding industry. Drawing from Toyota and Walmart’s strategies, Dugas argued that Pulte Homes could create greater value by scaling purchasing, improving construction processes, and collaborating with suppliers to lower overall costs while simultaneously refashioning and updating Pulte Home’s product …

Advancing Philanthropic Strategy Through Evaluative Thinking: One Foundation’S Approach, Christine Baker, Margaret Eigsti, Kathryn Racine, Laurence O’Connell

The Foundation Review

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland supports Catholic sisters and their ministries in northeast Ohio through the grantmaking, partnership, capacitybuilding, and evaluation efforts of its Catholic Sisters Program Area. The decline of sisters actively engaged in ministry, due both to their rising median age and a decades-long decline in their overall numbers, called for a reconsideration and likely revision of the CSPA existing theory of change.

Unlike other strategic approaches at the foundation, such as ending homelessness or improving health equity, transitioning from sister-led to lay-led leadership of ministries remained largely unexplored: Basic research was lacking, and model practices …

Strategic Management Of A Finnish Bus Company: Challenges And Opportunities, Billy Mushi, Sajal Kabiraj, Juha Mustonen

Management Dynamics

Undoubtedly, strategic management's role has enabled businesses to attain growth, adapt to new trends, and face competition. While examining the bus transportation industry in Finland, which faces competition, we demand to know whether it will lead to a case company's success and competitive advantage by assessing its strategic management methods. Moreover, results show that the case company has gone through many challenging threats throughout its existence. However, by conducting a strategic assessment, strategic choice, and implementing other strategic management methods specified in this case study, the company can grow and compete against other bus transport services companies in Finland.

An Empirical Examination Of The Relationship Between Ceo Characteristics, Strategy, And Performance For Declining Organizations, Peter A. Stanwick

Southern Business Review

Peter A. Stanwick is an assistant professor of management at Auburn University.

Is The Process Of Strategy Formulation Different In Complex Organizations?, Donovan A. Mcfarlane, Albert D. Clark, Melissa S. Waters

Southern University College of Business E-Journal

This paper reviews Robert F. Grattan’s Strategic Review: The Process of Strategy Formulation in Complex Organisations (2011), by focusing on one major implied question emerging from the title of the book: “Is the Process of Strategy Formulation Different in Complex Organizations?” The author first examines the theoretical contents of Grattan’s book relative to existing and emerging literature on the strategic process by examining several theories discussed therein. The author examines the purpose and functions of strategy formulation in general and then discusses the contents of each of Grattan’s chapters as they relate this process applied to the Strategic Defence Review …

الاستراتيجيات المقترحة للحلقة المفقودة بين مخرجات التعليم العالي ومتطلبات سوق العمل, Rawan Damaira, Jehan Damaira

Palestine Technical University Research Journal

The study aimed to know the proposed strategies for the lost loop between higher education outputs and labor market requirements from the perspective of Palestinian university graduates. The study sample consisted of 200 respondents, a constructed questionnaire was distributed to four Palestinian university graduates' students in north West Bank namely: (Al-Quds Open University, Anajah University, -Al-Khudouri University, and The Arab American University). The descriptive analytical method was used in this study, as the study used several statistical tools, such as frequency distribution, percentage, mean and mean average, T-test, and the one-wayanalysis of variance, and the equation for calculating Cronbach's alpha …

Case Study Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.: Its Strategy During The Covid 19 Pandemic, James I. I. Schaap, Angel F. González

Southern University College of Business E-Journal

Purpose The current paper presents the case of Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. in the domain of gaming, entertainment, and lodging. Together with the top leadership and operators of Monarch, the authors investigated the timeline, business model, and strategic processes of the company, while exploring the markets that the company caters to. The research was focused on the following sub-domains: the company’s growth, business model, strategy, and operations. Design/methodology/approach The authors performed a review of the company’s literature and conducted interviews; for the part on company performance, the authors relied on in-house online data available of their financial statements, and …

Using Acquisitions As A Growth Strategy From Single Concept To Multiple Concepts: A Case Study, Francis A. Kwansa, Eliza Ching-Yick Tse

Journal of Hospitality Financial Management

From the day a business is conceived, it is constantly faced with numerous strategic challenges that have impact on its survival, success, and/or failure. Many independent businesses fail within the first three years. For the ones that survive and prosper, they may remain as independents, private and or family businesses, while some transform into corporations and even become publicly traded entities. We use FAT Brands as a case study to examine the evolution of a company from a single restaurant concept and expanding by diversifying into a multi-concept and publicly traded corporation. Internal and external factors such as the impact …

Strategic Consideration And Recommendation On Development Of Chemistry In China, Yanlin Cheng, Shuxian Wu, Qing Dai, Chunying Chen, Yuliang Zhao

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Chemistry, as a central science linking all the other sciences, has played an influential role in promoting the development of the whole scientific and technological field and the prosperity of economy and society. Developed countries strongly support the development of chemistry and effectively promote the level of chemical research and chemical industry. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, chemical research has been supported among the field of natural sciences, and its current level is at the forefront of the world. However, there are still problems in the field of chemistry research in China, such as insufficient major …

Architectural Dimensions Of Socially Driven Venture Capital Firms: Social Innovation In The Capital Markets, Raymond Jones, Manjula S. Salimath

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

Purpose – Private equity and venture capital (VC) firms in the capital markets sector invest capital with the primary goal of delivering economic value. However, some firms in the capital markets sector have started to shift this focus to create (i.e. invest in) social value. More specifically, traditional VC firms are starting socially oriented funds, while other firms have emerged to focus solely on investments in social enterprises. These VC firms are contributing to an interesting paradox – performance metrics are not measured by profit alone but also by social innovation. From an architectural perspective, the authors examine the implications …

Strategies To Maintain Fuel Security In Palestine, Suhaila Abu Ghoush, Ahmad Sadaqa

Journal of the Arab American University مجلة الجامعة العربية الامريكية للبحوث

Fuel plays a key role in many aspects of life, particularly in any country’s national security. However, energy insecurity leads to economic and political instability. In this study, the researcher investigated the strategies used to maintain fuel security in Palestine in order to define the challenges facing Palestine’s fuel security, while exploring geopolitical variables and their impacts, investigate the territory’s fuel storage policies and find out the potentiality to build fuel security infrastructure. To achieve those purposes, the researcher used a combination of descriptive and comparative approaches. More specifically, the researcher compared the Palestinian circumstances with the circumstances of other …

Les Ressources Humaines Et La Strategie De L’Entrprise, Jean-Jacques Peuch-Lestrade

Dirassat

HUMAN RESOURCES AND COMPANY STRATEGY

This article focuses on the issue of HUMAN RESOURCES AND CORPORATE STRATEGY from a strategic point of view and Globalization and its impact on Human resources.

The Evolution Of Hybrid Warfare: Implications For Strategy And The Military Profession, Ilmari Käihkö

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

The concept of hybrid war has evolved from operational-level use of military means and methods in war toward strategic-level use of nonmilitary means in a gray zone below the threshold of war. This article considers this evolution and its implications for strategy and the military profession by contrasting past and current use of the hybrid war concept and raising critical questions for policy and military practitioners.

Strategy Resilience: Getting Wise About Philanthropic Strategy In A Post-Pandemic World, Jewlya Lynn, Clare Nolan, Peter Waring

The Foundation Review

Public and private systems worldwide have been disrupted by COVID-19, cutting across all types of philanthropic priorities. Amid this uncertainty, some philanthropic strategies have struggled to find their footing while others have adapted easily, harnessing previously unanticipated opportunities to achieve change. Why have some philanthropic strategies been more successful than others? What wisdom can we draw from this moment that can help us prepare for the future?

During times of crisis, the concept of resilience is frequently applied to nonprofit organizations and their leaders. This article flips the vantage point toward funders, proposing a theory to explain what makes some …

Escape For Boone & Crocket, William Foxx, W. Frank Thompson Jr., Joseph W. Giese, David Vanbuskirk

Atlantic Marketing Journal

Eber Crocket is the owner of Boone & Crocket Trapper Supply (B&C). He feels like the environmental forces that are impacting his business are like a trap slowing closing on him. He is considering ideas to improve his store’s profitability.

Demand for furs as fashion goods is a multi-million dollar industry. Twenty percent of this demand is met by wild fur which is harvested by trappers. Trapping suppliers serve as the middleman between small individual trappers and auction houses. These auction houses collect the raw fur pelts from trappers and trapping stores and hold them until one of their auctions. …

Leveraging Technology Through Crowdfunding To Ease Barriers Of Entry Into The Marketplace, Amye Melton, Terry Damron, Vikkie Mccarthy, William Rupp

International Journal of Applied Management and Technology

Small businesses and entrepreneurs face barriers to entering new markets, such as access to capital. Crowdfunding is one method for financing new ventures. The purpose of this article is to explore how crowdfunding can ease barriers of entry into new markets. Drawing from strategic management, planning, marketing, and technology acceptance literature, we present a conceptual model to explain the use of crowdfunding by small businesses and entrepreneurs. Factors that impact individuals’ propensity to utilize crowdfunding as a source of capital include ease of use, intention to use, attitudes toward use, and effectiveness.

Regional Features Of Investment Policy Of Uzbekistan, Z.Q. Jumaeva

Central Asian Problems of Modern Science and Education

The article considers the regional features of the investment policy of Uzbekistan. Based on the analysis, the priority areas for the formation of the investment environment are identified, proposals for the development of investment programs for the development of the regions of the Bukhara region are developed.

Making Health Equity Real: Implementing A Commitment To Engage The Community Through Fellowships, Saphira M. Baker, Mark D. Constantine

The Foundation Review

Between 2016 and 2019, Richmond Memorial Health Foundation jumpstarted its transformation from a health legacy foundation committed to increasing access to health care to one promoting regional health equity through a racial and ethnic lens. A central component of this new focus was the trustees’ decision to invite community members to inform and advance the health equity strategy through two distinct community fellowship programs — the Equity + Health Fellowships. These programs ultimately provided the foundation with a new language, benchmarks, and structure for welcoming broader community engagement.

This article highlights the outcomes of both programs, how the experience with …

Strategy Implementation As Performative Practice: Reshaping Organization Into Alignment With Strategy, Sander Merkus, Thijs Willems, Marcel Veenswijk

Organization Management Journal

Much of the existing scholarly work on strategy implementation focuses on factors that either catalyze or obstruct the infusion of strategy into the organization. While this renders valuable knowledge about factors enabling or frustrating implementation, the actual process of strategy implementation is treated as a black box and as a step in the strategy model which is not further explained. To understand this process, this conceptual paper draws from performativity literature in which a strategy is conceptualized as a performative device. This means that a strategy triggers practices which reshape the organization so that the strategy is actualized in the …

Strategic Learning In Practice: A Case Study Of The Kauffman Foundation, Matthew Carr, Brett Hembree, Nathan Madden

The Foundation Review

Increasingly, foundations and nonprofits are seeking to engage their staff in learning and reflection activities that assess successes and challenges, and then generate insights that can improve programs and funding strategies. Yet, despite the intuitive benefits, there are common challenges that often stand in the way of promoting strategic learning for continuous improvement.

For the past year, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation has been focused on creating more systematic and intentional strategic learning across our organization. As part of this work we cultivated a select cohort of staff to be “learning champions,” created simple tools and processes that can more …

Shifting Mindsets: How Meaningful Accountability Systems Can Strengthen Foundation Learning And Improve Impact, Marc J. Holley, Marcie Parkhurst

The Foundation Review

This article explores what it looks like when a foundation attempts to integrate accountability and learning practices, and presents a framework for the unique and complementary contributions that accountability and learning can make to the work of foundations.

The article also looks at the tensions that can arise when a foundation’s internal evaluation staff attempt to design, implement, and make use of accountability systems. Specifically, it identifies three problematic perspectives that can hold foundations back from full engagement in internally driven accountability initiatives, and offers practical guidance on how to shift these mindsets to more productive practices.

It concludes by …

Becoming Strategic: Finding Leverage Over The Social And Economic Determinants Of Health, Douglas Easterling, Laura Mcduffee

The Foundation Review

While a number of observers have offered advice to foundations on how to be more effective with the implementation, evaluation, and adaptation of their strategies, there is little guidance on how foundations should go about designing their strategies.

This study fills that gap by analyzing the strategic thinking of health conversion foundations when they determined how they would address various social determinants of health. Based on interviews conducted with the leaders of 33 foundations across the U.S., we identified four strategic pathways: expanding and improving relevant services, creating more effective systems, changing policy, and encouraging more equitable power structures.

In …

Ruchir Sharma, Breakout Nations (2013), Victoria L. Rodner

Markets, Globalization & Development Review

No abstract provided.

Inside The Black Box: Investigating Philanthropic Foundation Strategies In A Dynamic Environment, Amanda Stewart

The Foundation Review

Foundations have been described as black boxes — implying that we know very little about what happens between inputs and outputs. We do know that they operate in dynamic environments and must adopt strategies to be effective in the face of change. This article, which examines the strategies of 29 foundations operating in one southeastern state, provides fresh insights into how foundations fulfill their missions.

The article is based on a research study that used semistructured interviews to explore how foundations approached grantmaking. Interviewees discussed the multiple and simultaneous roles played by grantmakers in addition to their traditional check-writing function. …