Assessment

 

Regular examination of an organization’s strengths, needs, challenges and opportunities. By examining this information together, the organization can identify problems and work towards solutions. Too often organizations get trapped in day-to-day activities and neglect to review the bigger picture- this is when organizations face crises and seek assistance. Periodical assessment of the above aspects can help organizations avert crises.

 

Boards

 

A Board of Directors determines direction and policy and works cooperatively towards accomplishing the mission and plans of the organization. Board composition is outlined in the organization's by-laws.

 

Board-Staff Relations

 

Refers to a partnership- between board members and staff- which is based upon mutual respect, clarity of roles and regular communication. Strong working relationships are required in order for the organization to reach its goals and carry out its work effectively.

 

By-Laws

 

By-laws are the rules and procedures that the organization follows in conducting its business. Board members can be held liable for their actions if they are found to have disobeyed or disregarded their organization’s by-laws.

 

Evaluation

 

Evaluation entails a periodical review of goals, programs and services. Evaluation can be conducted for the organization as a whole- monitoring how well it is fulfilling its mission; for a process- such as Board meetings; and for individuals- how well a person performs the tasks required of them.

 

Meetings (Purpose)

 

A meeting should be a positive, constructive use of time and resources. Meetings are used to make decisions, determine directions and exchange information face to face.

 

Organizational Culture

 

This is the composite expression of values, beliefs and expectations shared by the people in an organization. The term refers to the informal power structure, the way information is shared, what constitutes success, how it is rewarded and the informal norms of behaviour that dictate how people conduct themselves.

 

Organizational Effectiveness

 

Refers to the degree to which an organization uses its resources to achieve its purpose and/or mission. An effective organization is one that achieves its mission in a sustainable manner, with the assistance of long-term strategies that ensure the continuity of its mission.

 

Policies and Procedures

 

These terms refer to the rules and guidelines that provide a framework for getting things done in a consistent, collaborative and streamlined manner. Policies and procedures assist in the efficient operation of the organization and should be assessed regularly.

 

Risk Management

 

Risk management involves identifying and dealing with potential sources of harm to the organization. Organizations focus on risk management in order to limit liability.

 

Strategic Planning

 

Strategic planning assumes that an organization is responsible to a dynamic, changing environment and that the organization’s knowledge of the future is reliable enough to enable it to establish a plan of action to achieve its goals. Strategic planning requires organizations to be responsive to new circumstances in the community and surrounding environment.

 

Structure

 

The structure of the organization is designed and adapted to ensure effective decision-making in carrying out the organization's mission and plans. Structure varies depending on circumstances such as size and composition of staff and the work of the organization. An organization’s structure should maximize- not limit- its ability to carry out its mission effectively.

 

Values

 

Values are the fundamental principles and beliefs that form the foundation of an organization. These principles guide the organization’s services, programs and the behaviours of its staff.

 

Vision and Mission

 

Vision is based on a future state of being that the organization is striving to achieve; for example, “Everyone will have a home”. A vision statement is understood by everyone in the organization and forms the basis for all decision making. Mission is the way in which the vision is realized; it is the reason why the organization exists. For example, “To provide safe, affordable housing.”