Dissertation
The new era of leadership in nonprofits: a value proposition study for the certification of association professionals
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
01 Apr 2015
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-6321
Abstract
Nonprofit organizations provide one million jobs to Californians. These organizations face challenges to find qualified executive leadership due to approaching retirements and transitions. Succession planning is utilized by relatively few nonprofits. Employees seeking leadership roles are challenged to identify ways to develop their knowledge, skills, and competence to prepare for career opportunities. Continuing professional development is often obtained through industry specific certification and credentialing to demonstrate knowledge and commitment to practice. However, the value of certification is unknown within association professionals serving California nonprofits. A limited number of association professionals have attained certification to enhance their knowledge, build their competence, and demonstrate their advanced practice abilities in nonprofit management. This mixed methods study surveyed 588 association professionals within California and attained 140 responses (24.8%) utilizing the Perceived Value of Certification Tool (PVCT) ©, an existing credentialing value assessment tool. Twelve of eighteen survey items were found to differ significantly (p < .01), with respect to the perceived value of certification between those certified and non-certified. Interviews were conducted with 11 Certified Association Executives (CAE) to explore the perceived value of certification and to understand how those who have earned the credential have applied their learning into practice and career advancement. Five major themes emerged for association professionals: (a) they found nonprofit management as an accidental profession, (b) they sought challenge and growth, (c) they admitted fear, (d) they overcame challenges and followed their motivations to obtain certification, and (e) they shared mixed value perceptions regarding their CAE credential. Through triangulation, three conclusions were identified: (1) certification is highly valued by association professionals, (2) there is no direct leadership pathway into association management, and (3) fear and self-doubt shape the adult lifelong learning pathway to certification. This study informs individuals and employers considering certification for professional development and goal setting, while also demonstrating the intrinsic values found while establishing knowledge and advancing professional practice in nonprofit management. Considerations for future learning formats, including digital badging and micro-credentialing, are offered.
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Details
- Title
- The new era of leadership in nonprofits
- Creators
- Tracy Petrillo - DU
- Contributors
- Kathy Dee Geller (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 6321; 991014632684104721