<span>The nonprofit sector of our economy is a special class of entities with an expansive array of organizations and activities dedicated to the common good and well-being of others. Even though this sector has constructed creative and forward thinking initiatives, obstacles remain which interfere with their accomplishment of significant achievements. The struggle to maintain their respected position, unique character and role in society remains prevalent. In order to stay competitive, organizations are constantly assessing their current capacity to deliver needed services. Today, a number of umbrella associations of nonprofits have implemented assessment and </span><span>certification programs intended to produce organizational improvement for their member organizations. Based on analysis of phenomenological interviews and guided by institutional theory, the research reported here is designed to identify factors that differentiate between organizations that chose to participate in the Louisiana Standards for Excellence organizational assessment program and those that did not. Drawing on concepts of organizational learning and broadened accountability, the research further explores whether those nonprofits successfully achieving certification experience an enhanced commitment to ongoing organizational learning.Doctorate of Management ProgramsEnglish</span>
