“Building a Strong Nonprofit Human Resource System: Key Concepts and Challenges”

Instructions:  Choose ONE of the following.  Include the prompt in your answer.
Watson and Abzug assert that nonprofit organizations need to implement a human resource system, not merely execute a set of human resource tasks. What is the point of the distinction they make, and why is it important?
Watson and Abzug tell us that retention is as important as recruitment and selection. What are the key issues to address in order to retain your best personnel?
What is the governing board’s role in an effective nonprofit human resource system?
Explain the concepts of “internal equity” and “external equity”? Discuss why each is important to address in the design and implementation of a rewards system.
In what ways is the external environment (e.g., the external market) relevant to a given nonprofit’s compensation system? How might information about the relevant job market be secured, and how should it be used in setting compensation levels for a nonprofit organization?
What are the unique considerations and concerns that must be addressed with regard to nonprofit organizations’ executive compensation?
Volunteer management might be approached as either a “program management” or “personnel management” process. What is the difference between these two orientations? What difference might this make for the design of the program?
What motivates volunteers to serve? What motivates volunteers to continue to serve once they have started with a nonprofit organization? Are different generations motivated by different things?
How should performance management be handled with volunteers? Is it appropriate to terminate a volunteer if he or she is are not performing well in the assigned role? If so, how should this be handled to ensure that the result is appropriate and fair?
The Conclusion discusses multiple reports that describe the changing environment and nature of the nonprofit sector and its organizations and notes the four key types of challenges that Lester Salamon identifies. What are the key trends? What are the key challenges that are likely to be the greatest forces for continue change in the sector?