Nonprofit Organizational Assessment

inefficiencies that have arisen in the organization but have yet to be addressed, and
develop strategies for resolving them.
Organizational analysis focuses on the structure and design of the organization and
how the organization's systems, capacity and functionality influence outputs. Additional
internal and external factors are also accounted for in assessing how to improve
efficiency. Undertaking an organizational analysis is helpful in assessing an
organization's current well-being and capacity, and deciding on a course of action to
improve the organization's long-term sustainability. A restructuring of an Organization
may become necessary when either external or internal forces have created a problem
or opportunity for improvement in efficiency and effectiveness.
When performing an organizational analysis, many details emerge about the functions
and capacity of the organization. All of these details can make pinpointing what is
efficient and inefficient difficult. Using theoretical organizational models can help sort out
the information, and make it easier to draw connections. After working through these
theoretical models, the organizations present situation is more adequately addressed,
and the trajectory of the organization can be more fully determined.
Strategic Triangle Model
Organizational Analysis Models
This model relies on three key calculations to determine the efficiency and effectiveness
of an organization. First, is the value, or mission, that guides the organization. Second,
is operational capacity, the knowledge and capability to carry out the mission. Third, is
legitimacy and support, or the environment, that authorize the value of the organization,
and offer support, (specifically financial support). Using this model, a strategy for an
organization is considered good if these three components are in alignment.
SWOT Model
A SWOT analysis (alternatively SWOT matrix) is a structured planning method used to
evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats involved in a project or in
a business venture. A SWOT analysis can be carried out for a product, place, industry
or person. It involves specifying the objective of the business venture or project and
identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable to
achieve that objective. The degree to which the internal environment of the entity
matches with the external environment is expressed by the concept of strategic fit.
Strengths: characteristics of the business or project that give it an advantage
over others.
Weaknesses: characteristics that place the business or project at a disadvantage
relative to others
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