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The Importance of Culture to the Success of Non-Profit Organizations

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The importance of culture to the success of non-profit organizations

There are three different sectors of industry: private, public (government) and non-profit. The non-profit sector’s purpose is simple, no matter what type of business it is they serve to meet the needs the private and public sectors lack thereof (McDonald). Most non-profit organizations (NPO) are programs that cater to the community or serve people in order to improve the quality of life or are seeking social change. By being socially responsible of others nonprofits are breaking down barriers to build a better global community.
Non-profits exist in almost every industry or line of work. Some popular ones are women’s rights, animal rights, environment awareness, health, and community development. When there is a cause and a group of people willing to work for it, a non-profit organization can be formed. They range in size, from a small local organization of just a few members, to nationally recognized organizations with several locations domestic and international. Non-profits are known for having unique cultures compared to for-profit and government organizations because there is some form of moral compass driving the purpose of the NPO versus the sole purpose to make money.
Culture in the workplace is essential to the success of nonprofits because it lays the foundation for the direction of the organization based on similar beliefs and values and it is the determinant of the behavior or actions of the people within the workplace. Culture is separated into material and nonmaterial elements. Material culture is the physical tools and equipment needed for the organization to function. An example of how they differ across the board is an environmental NPO, most likely if they are fighting for the preservation of ecosystems and to stop waste they will act as a Green company. This philosophy

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