Building Workforce Capability in Nonprofit Organizations

Building Workforce Capability in Nonprofit Organizations by Catherine Byrnes Smoyer MBA, University of Phoenix, 2005 BS, University of Phoenix, 2000 Consulting Capstone Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University March 2019 Abstract Leaders of nonprofit organizations in the United States must build workforce capabilities to meet increasing demands for services. This single-case study explored strategiesLeaders of nonprofit organizations in the United States must build workforce capabilities to meet increasing demands for services. This single-case study explored strategies nonprofit leaders used to build workforce capability to address increasing service demands. The conceptual lens for this study was the full-range leadership theory. Data were collected through semistructured interviews from a purposeful sample of 3 senior executives of a single nonprofit organization located in the midwestern region of the United States. Information from internal and external documents and publicly available documents also provided data. Information and data sources included internal organizational and workforce performance data, strategy plans and analysis, internal and external financial documents, organizational website, and nonprofit data and information websites. Data and information from internal and external documents, interviews, and publicly available information were manually coded. Findings were validated through data triangulation and member checking. Using thematic analysis, 4 themes emerged related to building workforce capability: an emphasis on employee development, the expansion of technology systems, a concentration on developing a culture of autonomy and trust, and the introduction of processes and measurements. The findings from this study might contribute to positive social change by providing nonprofit leaders with strategies and data to support a deeper understanding of how to effectively build workforce capability to address increasing service demands. Building Workforce Capability in Nonprofit Organizations by Catherine Byrnes Smoyer MBA, University of Phoenix, 2005 BS, University of Phoenix, 2000 Consulting Capstone Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University March 2019 Dedication I dedicate this doctoral study to my family. I am thankful for my loving husband who had confidence in me, sacrificed for me, and gave me the courage to take on this amazing journey. I am proud and blessed to be your wife. To my daughters, their husbands, and my grandchildren who gave me endless support and love as they encouraged me through each step. I am thankful for my other family members and friends who listened patiently and supported me while I talked about and worked on my study. Finally, to my parents in heaven who loved me unconditionally, believed in me, and taught me I could do anything I set my mind to. Acknowledgments There are so many people to acknowledge and thank that helped me through my doctoral study. First, I would like to thank my family and friends. Your constant support and love encouraged me to complete my study. I also thank the Walden University faculty. To my chairperson, Dr. Rocky Dwyer, thank you for your constant support, guidance, encouragement, and mentorship through the consulting capstone process. I thank my second committee member, Dr. Janice Garfield, and my URR, Dr. Brandon Simmons for their guidance and support. Finally, I thank my client organization leaders for their professionalism, support, and tireless collaboration.