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Exploring data use in nonprofit organizations

Author

Listed:
  • Mayer, Duncan J.
  • Fischer, Robert L.

Abstract

Organizations around the world have increasingly employed data for a variety of purposes, and nonprofit organizations are no exception. This article reviews the use of data in nonprofit organizations, including the types of data collected and accessed, the motivations for data capture, and the barriers to systematic use of data. The literature shows that nonprofit organizations capture a variety of data, including public and financial data, performance measures, program evaluation data, and volunteer information. Organizations use these with diverse motivations such as program or organizational improvement, marketing, and accountability. Prominent barriers faced by organizations include challenges in identifying meaningful information, lack of technical ability, inability to prioritize data work, as well as external influences. The article highlights the challenges in synthesizing the available literature, with a high degree of fragmentation, including research from distinct intellectual traditions resulting in many disconnected constructs, measurements, and theories. Finally, the paper discusses challenges in the study of nonprofit data use and strives to provide guidance for future inquiry.

Suggested Citation

  • Mayer, Duncan J. & Fischer, Robert L., 2023. "Exploring data use in nonprofit organizations," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:epplan:v:97:y:2023:i:c:s0149718922001513
    DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2022.102197
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. ., 2022. "Introduction to Resilience and the Management of Nonprofit Organizations," Chapters, in: Resilience and the Management of Nonprofit Organizations, chapter 1, pages 1-14, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    2. Amy Voida, 2014. "A Case for Philanthropic Informatics," Public Administration and Information Technology, in: Saqib Saeed (ed.), User-Centric Technology Design for Nonprofit and Civic Engagements, edition 127, chapter 0, pages 3-13, Springer.
    3. Persaud, Nadini, 2021. "Expanding the repertoire of evaluation tools so that evaluation recommendations can assist nonprofits to enhance strategic planning and design of program operations," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 89(C).
    4. Naccarella, Lucio & Pirkis, Jane & Kohn, Fay & Morley, Belinda & Burgess, Philip & Blashki, Grant, 2007. "Building evaluation capacity: Definitional and practical implications from an Australian case study," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 30(3), pages 231-236, August.
    5. Chongmyoung Lee, 2021. "Factors influencing the credibility of performance measurement in nonprofits," International Review of Public Administration, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 26(2), pages 156-174, April.
    6. Dennis R. Young & Elizabeth A.M. Searing, 2022. "Resilience and the Management of Nonprofit Organizations," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 20872.
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