Several nonprofit umbrella associations have implemented assessment and certification programs intending to produce institutional improvement for memb Show moreSeveral nonprofit umbrella associations have implemented assessment and certification programs intending to produce institutional improvement for member organizations. An analysis of semi-structured interviews guided by institutional theory, reveals factors that differentiate among organizations that chose to participate in one such program (the Louisiana Standards for Excellence organizational assessment) and those that did not. Drawing on organizational learning and accountability literatures, the research investigates the antecedents and consequences of accreditation in nonprofits. Results indicate that, integrity-enhancement, continuous improvement and financial motives drive the decision to seek accreditation, and outcomes of remediation-oriented process improvement initiatives were contingent upon staff commitment. Doctorate of Management Programs Show less
