Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-3-2016
Keywords
management, principal agency theory, stewardship theory, foundations
Abstract
This paper examines the challenges public and nonprofit human service funders face in the performance measurement process and the strategies they use to address these challenges. We use survey and interview data to compare funders’ experiences across a region. Common challenges included dissatisfaction with formal data collection procedures, difficulty getting providers to comply with reporting requirements, provider performance problems and lack of capacity to use performance information. Capacity issues were a greater concern for smaller funders. Funders used a variety of strategies to address challenges. Use of some strategies depended on context. Practices were relatively consistent across funder groups.
Recommended Citation
Campbell, D. A. and Lambright, K. T. (2017), Struggling to Get It Right. Nonprofit Management and Leadership, 27: 335-351. doi:10.1002/nml.21249