2009/09/01 by Karin Kreutzer
Business, Management and Accounting · Economics, Econometrics and Finance · Social Sciences · #Community Development and Social Impact #Cooperative Studies and Economics #Nonprofit Sector and Volunteering
paper · doi:10.1002/nml.244
openalex publication_date 2009/09/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
Abstract This explorative field study examines the governance challenges that voluntary associations face in the transition from an internal focus on members to the provision of services to mainly nonmembers. This transition is an important stage in the life cycle of many associations. A qualitative research design was used to study five Swiss patient organizations. This article describes the transition process in terms of five main management challenges: different target groups, self‐help group versus competence center, cooperation, fundraising, and transparency. It then examines the implications for four governance aspects that confront managers and board members: recruitment and selection of board members, tasks of the board, relationship between the board and managing director, and the role of the general assembly of members.