”Distinguishing features of visionary non-profit organisations”

Abstract

The researcher undertook exploratory research to see whether characteristics of visionary organizations, as discovered in research undertaken by Collins and Porras (2000), are present and applicable to non-profit organizations in Gauteng, South Africa.

The characteristics are: - a core ideology (core purpose and core values) - big hairy audacious goals - a cult-like culture - purposeful evolution and continuous self improvement - management continuity - alignment.

A schedule was used to interview directors of ten non-profit organizations. Some staff in each organization were given a questionnaire to see whether their answers correlated with the director responses.

The research indicated that most characteristics are present, to some degree, in the non-profit organizations. These characteristics could however be explored more thoroughly in further research. The research includes recommendations for management of non-profit organizations to implement, to become visionary organizations.