Resources in this section address the functions and responsibilities of nonprofit boards in social service organizations and describe ways to increase the effectiveness of boards.
Board Leadership and Development
Axelrod (2004)
In The Jossey-Bass Handbook of Nonprofit Leadership and Management
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Analyzes the continuing challenge of developing board leadership and describes some promising approaches for helping boards meet their leadership obligations.
BoardSource
Seeks to increase the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations by strengthening their boards of directors. Its programs and services aim to mobilize boards so that organizations can fulfill their missions, achieve their goals, increase their impact, and extend their influence.
Creating Decision-Making Partnerships With Staff and Clientele: The Role of Boards and Committees
Hardina, Middleton, Montana, & Simpson (2006)
In An Empowering Approach to Managing Social Service Organizations
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Examines the function of boards in social service organizations and the responsibilities of board members. The chapter assesses the relationship between the board and the organization's executive director, and methods used to increase board member diversity.
Executive Leadership
Herman & Heimovics (2004)
In The Jossey-Bass Handbook of Nonprofit Leadership and Management
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Describes specific board-centered leadership skills that characterize especially effective chief executives.
Governance as Leadership: Reframing the Work of Nonprofit Boards
Chait, Ryan, & Taylor (2004)
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Provides a new framework for collaborations of board members and executives, sheds light on traditional financial and strategic work of board members, and offers a road map to governance as leadership.
Nonprofit Governance and Accountability (PDF - 1,423 KB)
Salamon & Geller (2005)
Presents survey results of a nationwide sample of nonprofit boards that examined the governance and accountability practices of nonprofit organizations. Results focus on board roles, responsibilities, and governance.
Strengthening Governance
Hudson (2005)
In Managing at the Leading Edge: New Challenges in Managing Nonprofit Organizations
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Explains the need for nonprofit organizations to ensure that board responsibilities are clear, to structure the board around governance tasks, to monitor the performance of the board in a transparent way, take actions to enhance board performance, deepen the board chair-chief executive relationship, and review board performance continuously.
Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards
BoardSource
Describes the basic duties of nonprofit boards.