This article describes an empirical study that explores the effects of entrepreneurial outcomes and market orientations on the level of performance of non-profit organizations (NPOs) (Morris, Coombes, Schindehutte, & Allen, 2007, p. 22).
The empirical study described in the article is based on the following research question: do market orientations and entrepreneurial outcomes affect performance NPO performance levels (Morris, Coombes, Schindehutte, & Allen, 2007, p. 12).
The participants in the empirical study consisted of NPOs, which were selected from the 501(c) organizations whose information is found in IRS form 990 (Morris, Coombes, Schindehutte, & Allen, 2007, p. 23). The sampling criteria strengthened the study as it enabled the researchers to reach the targeted participants.
The variables in the study included: the performance of the NPOs, which was measured using a five indicators item; their entrepreneurial outcomes, which were measured using fifteen items designed by miller and Friesen (1983); the board’s participation in their governance, which was measured using a ten-item scale designed by O’Regan and Oster (2005); and their market orientation, which was measured using a self-report item (Morris, Coombes, Schindehutte, & Allen, 2007, p. 22).
There were two kinds of analyses conducted in the empirical study: an exploratory factor analysis was conducted on the main variables, while a confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to assess the unidimensionality of the variables (Morris, Coombes, Schindehutte, & Allen, 2007, p. 23).
The study found out that the performance of NPOs is affected by market orientations and entrepreneurial outcomes, which are in turn, affected by the role of the board members who govern them (Morris, Coombes, Schindehutte, & Allen, 2007, p. 27). The findings agree with the hypothesis of the empirical study.
In conclusion, the findings of the empirical study relate to my research question, which is how the performance of non-profit organizations can be improved. From the article, it is evident that the performance of NPOs is positively impacted by market outcomes and entrepreneurial orientations, among other factors such as the experience and leadership skills of the board members.
Reference
Morris, M., Coombes, S., Schindehutte, M., & Allen, J. (2007). Antecedents and outcomes of entrepreneurial and market orientations in a non-profit context: Theoretical and empirical insights. Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies, 13(4), 12-39.