Dissertation
Exploring partnerships between NPOs and Corporates: A power perspective
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00809
Abstract
The research question this doctoral research sought to address was “How do power dynamics influence NPO outcomes in a partnership between an NPO and a CP?”. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in partnerships between NPOs and for-profit commercial organisations (CPs). These partnerships (NPO-CPs) are proving to be an effective instrument to address both the growth in demand for NPO services in an increasingly challenging environment, and CPs’ Corporate Social Responsibility interests. However, these unique associations comprise organisations that contribute differing resources to the partnership which has the potential to result in a relationship characterised by power imbalance and dependence. A power imbalance combined with the interplay of power-related contextual factors may influence the NPO-CP relationship and ultimately, the NPO’s achievement of their stated objectives. As the formation of NPO-CPs is increasingly prevalent, gaining a better understanding of the implications of power on the effectiveness of NPO-CP relationships is key to leveraging more successful partnerships. The review of existing literature on power in NPO-CPs highlighted important gaps in our understanding. Four research objectives were developed based on important themes that were apparent in the literature, as a means to advance the theoretical interrogation as well as explore the empirical field. This study adopted an interpretivist paradigm incorporating a relativist ontology and a subjectivist epistemology. A qualitative multiple case study methodology was employed. The criteria that guided the case selection was the organisation had to be an Australian NPO that was engaged in a partnership with a CP within the past five years. Data gathering of primary evidence was through semi-structured interviews, with data saturation reached with a sample of 26 participants from 23 NPO cases.
Details
- Title
- Exploring partnerships between NPOs and Corporates: A power perspective
- Authors
- Suzi Jordan - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Business and Creative Industries
- Contributors
- Lisa Daniel (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Business and Creative IndustriesMargarietha J de Villiers Scheepers (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Business and Creative IndustriesKaren Becker (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, UniSC Moreton Bay
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00809
- Organisation Unit
- School of Business and Creative Industries; UniSC Moreton Bay; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99993598702621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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