Regardless of the size, budget, structure, or direction of a nonprofit organization, each has a common goal, to become an improved version of itself, develop streamlined and structured work processes, provide quality services, and adapt quickly to new conditions. But how do you assess the state of your organization and see what you need to change to improve it? Organizational assessment tools for nonprofits can help. These solutions help you change your company’s usual strategy, management, and financial structure and transform your system into a healthier and more correct one. In this article, we will highlight the top 5 of these tools.
What are organizational assessment tools?
Most of the organizational assessment tools in our review are in survey format with separate sections on key areas of organizational functioning (e.g., leadership, finance, staff development). Two of which are more superficial, and are used for fast-track and quick assessment processes, while the remaining three are designed for more in-depth analysis and assessment of organizational processes. These in-depth assessment tools address a number of key areas of organizational functioning. Each area typically has several indicators or standards that are used to assess different aspects of functioning and performance in a particular area. For example, the communication area may be assessed by a set of indicators related to internal communication, external communication, marketing, and so on.
Below we have highlighted some of the features that relate to tools for organizational assessment:
- Organizational Assessment Tools allow a company to grow and evolve in the right direction. Thanks to them, you can find the weak areas of your system much faster and make it easier to make decisions about their improvement
- Tools for organizational assessment exist in masses, it can be difficult to single out the best ones, but the most acceptable ones are customizable and adaptable to the context of a particular organization
- More important is the process in which the tool is used than the tool itself. The tool performs best in well-managed processes
Examples of tools in organizational assessment
Below we give a brief overview of the five tools for organizational assessment and highlight their features:
Resiliency Guide
Purpose:
- Assess organizational resiliency
- Identify areas of strength and those requiring further attention and development
- Organizational Resiliency – is defined as the ‘capacity to respond effectively to change, to adapt successfully to new and unforeseen conditions and circumstances, and to seize the opportunity. It’s an essential characteristic of organizations that are built for ongoing success
Sustainable Sun Needs Analysis
Purpose:
- Assess key issues impacting organizational sustainability
- Identify areas of strength and those requiring further attention and development Track progress over time
- Create a simple visual representation of assessment across key issues
Bruner Foundation Modified Evaluative Thinking Assessment Tool
Purpose:
- Critically assess 15 key areas of organizational capacity
- Identify areas of strength and those requiring further attention and development
- Identify areas for action and prioritize action areas
Institutional Self-Assessment
Purpose:
- Identify the current level of development in 8 key areas of organizational effectiveness
- Identify areas of strength and those requiring further attention and development
Leap of Reason Performance Practice
Purpose:
- Assess 7 key areas (‘Pillars’) of organizational performance
- Identify areas of strength and those requiring further attention and development
- Engage in a process of continuous learning and improvement