Disruption, Innovation and Transformation in the Nonprofit Sector

The nonprofit sector is in a constant state of disruption, such as external and market forces, changes in demographics and geography, technological advances, funding disruptions and internal upheaval. All demand nimble, innovative leaders who can drive transformation. But an organization transformation and the resulting re-org/right-sizing needed to achieve it, is often fraught with resistance from boards, staff, and community members. Referencing multiple case studies from the instructor's personal experience, students will apply NPO management practices gleaned from other coursework to these real-world organizations. Students will gain insight into the opportunities and complexities of disrupting and transforming nonprofit organizations to more effectively serve their constituencies. Additionally, students will learn how to be bold and strategic in their NPO leadership roles, with an eye on the ‘possible,' tempered by a realistic understanding of the challenges of transformation.