Canadian Non-Profits in Crisis: The Need for Reform

This paper examines recent changes in the relationship between the Canadian state, at both federal and provincial levels, and those non-profit organizations concerned with social welfare. The 1995 federal budget marked a turning point for Canadian non-profit organizations as the federal transfer payments to the provinces were simultaneously restructured and reduced. This, in turn, meant that provincial funds flowing to non-profit organizations would also be cut, or terminated, and restructured as service contracts continued to replace grants. This followed a review of government funding to non-profit agencies initiated the previous year and came on top of a growing critique of non-profits as unaccountable, unrepresentative, professionalized, "special-interest" groups, who used public funds largely to sustain themselves, and pursued causes that should not be subsidized by government. At the same time non-profit organizations were increasingly expected to provide core social welfare services not only on the basis of "more for less" but also through charging for their services and increased corporate and individual fund-raising. All of these events took place in the context of the election to government, in 1993, of the Liberal Party, that had previously been strongly identified with the advance of a Canadian social agenda but now chose to adopt its conservative predecessor’s deficit reduction strategy through public expenditure cuts. For many Canadian commentators, such events have thrown non-profit organizations into crisis and during the past two years there have been attempts to bring together the diverse interests within the sector and build a stronger sense of identity and voice. However, there is also a strong argument to suggest that the vulnerability of such non-profit organizations has resulted, in part, from their over-dependence on government during the previous twenty-five years and the absence of a strong popular base. This paper explores the changing relationships between the Canadian state and non-profit organizations, and highlights what could be very similar dilemmas for their UK counterparts as government increasingly looks to non-profits to fulfil what has during the postwar period been its service-providing role.     

官办非营利组织的利益相关者：期望、影响及回应——以武汉市青少年空间为例

在社会转型期，由政府出资并负责日常管理的官办非营利组织成为我国福利体系中普遍存在的组织类型，它的成长受到了多元化利益群体的普遍关注。文章运用利益相关者的理论视角分析了武汉市青少年空间的首要利益相关者和次要利益相关者；并探讨了不同利益相关者对组织的不同期望及其在组织使命、组织目标、组织行动三个层面的影响。文章指出，基于利益相关者、期望及影响的分析可以看出官办非营利组织多元化的组织生态和互动博弈关系。     

Testing the qualitative differences between empathy and personal distress: Measuring core affect and self-orientation

In two studies the emotional valence, the level of arousal and self-orientation of empathic concern and personal distress are tested. The empathic concern prevalence versus personal distress prevalence is induced through pictures in Study 1 (N = 62) and perspective-taking instructions in Study 2 (N = 60). Results of Study 1 show that participants in the personal distress-prevalence condition report significantly more negative emotional valence (d = .65), higher arousal (d = .48), and higher self-orientation (d = .57) than participants in the empathic concern-prevalence condition. Results of Study 2 show that participants in the self-oriented condition report the highest arousal, followed by participants in the other-oriented condition, and the objective condition (η_p² = .58). Concerning the increase of self-orientation, results show that it is mediated by the personal distress induced by self-perspective instructions. Similar results in emotional valence were found between self- and other-oriented conditions.     

Difficulty in seeking information about health care quality and costs: The field of dreams fallacy

While government agencies and health organizations have increased efforts to provide online information about health care quality and costs, we know little about whether individuals seek out or understand this information. Using results from a Louisiana telephone survey (N = 1030), we examine intent to use a website devoted to information about health care quality and costs and self-reported difficulty in finding this information. Intent to use a website is driven primarily by prior Internet use while difficulty in learning about health care quality is associated with greater choice in health care providers and dissatisfaction with current care.     

论非营利组织企业化管理模式的构建

随着我国市场经济的发展,非营利组织作为独立于政府和市场的第三种力量,越来越多地参与到社会公共事务的管理中,逐渐成为完善社会服务,推动社会福利发展的重要力量。然而非营利组织在发展过程中,也逐渐暴露出了自身的局限,存在着筹资困难、运行效率低等问题。本文通过分析非营利组织管理的现实困境,探讨解决困境的路径,提出了非营利组织管理的创新模式——企业化管理模式。并试图从绩效管理、资金管理、营销管理、人力资源管理等四方面探讨非营利组织企业化管理模式的构建。     

The utilization of geographic information systems to create a site selection strategy to disseminate an older adult fall prevention program

Public health programmatic interventions are increasingly required to address the prevention needs of aging populations. Falls in adults age 65 and older are the leading cause of injury hospitalization in the U.S., and a leading cause of international fatal injuries in older adults. This project used geographic information systems (GIS) to create a site selection strategy for the dissemination and pilot evaluation of a community-based fall prevention program for older adults in Pierce County, Washington. Potential site addresses (n = 84), 2000 U.S. census data for adults ≥65 years of age, and local road networks, which were converted into service areas using actual travel time, were entered in a GIS. Potential sites were then ranked by census densities of older adults who lived within 10 min travel time. Nine sites launched the program, with the goal recruiting 20 older adult program participants at each site (n = 180). At the end of 12 months, participation exceeded program goals (n = 331). GIS can be used to determine actual travel time, and may facilitate the selection of community-based prevention program sites to maximize accessibility and utilization by targeted populations.     

A Market Economics Approach to Taxation and Regulation of Non-Profit Organizations Analyses and Recommendations for China

There is little disagreement that tax laws and regulations relating to non-profit organizations in China need to be changed. In this paper, we recommend comprehensive, not marginal, changes to China's tax laws for non-profit organizations (NPOs). The fundamentals of the sector and market economics suggest that the government should regulate the sector according to these principles: allowing people to make choices; using information conveyed by people's choices to identify NPOs worthy of government support; and providing incentives to organizations that help to achieve fairness in resource distribution.     

“This rabid fight for survival”: Small NGO manager's experiences of funding reform

This article explores the experiences of small Non‐Government Organisation (NGO) managers who are experiencing significant funding reforms. Drawing on a desk review of the literature, and semi‐structured interviews with managers of small NGOs in a case study site of Glebe, New South Wales, we present some of the issues arising from these new modes of funding governance. Findings revealed that funding is increasingly complex, with variations in timeframe, funder and geographic boundaries. The short‐term nature of funding contributed to NGO managers stating that they have been operating in a “survival” mode characterised by a high‐level uncertainty. Changes to funding regimes have led to a need to seek out future funding, engage in competitive tendering processes and comply with multiple and growing funding reporting requirements – tasks that are time‐consuming and at times stressful. Overall, managers experienced overwhelming funding complexity, which impeded the NGO's ability to focus on the needs of clients — an outcome which is surely antithetical to the aims of the various reforms to funding governance.     

Does anti-Semitism among African Americans simply reflect anti-White sentiment?

In his classic essay (1967) titled “Negroes Are Anti-Semitic Because They’re Anti-White,” writer James Baldwin argues that African American resentment of Jews reflects generalized anti-White sentiment. The current study examines levels of anti-Semitic attitudes in the United States among African Americans and other racial/ethnic groups. Using General Social Survey (2000) data for a nationally representative sample of adults (n = 1,118), this research investigates whether variation in anti-White attitudes explains variation in anti-Semitic attitudes. Multiple indicators are used to operationalize anti-Semitic and anti-White attitudes. One such indicator is the degree to which one opposed living in a Jewish (or White) neighborhood. Control variables include measures of perception of wealth for Jews and Whites. A series of logistic regression analyses offers mixed results. One analysis indicates that while some anti-Semitic attitudes are strongly associated with anti-White attitudes, African Americans are still significantly more likely than White, Latino, and Asian groups to express anti-Semitic views when the level of anti-White sentiment is held constant (p < .05). In a second analysis the respondent's race is not a significant effect on expressed anti-Semitism when controlling for anti-White attitudes.     

Pluralistic media ignorance: Presence and causes

This study examines the presence and causes of pluralistic media ignorance - incorrect estimation of media content in a way that creates the impression that popular broadcasting is overabundant with morally controversial material. Using the appearance of sexual content in television advertising in Israel as a case study, we compare survey estimates (N = 305) of the prevalence of this material with its actual level according to the findings of a content analysis of commercials (N = 752). Pluralistic media ignorance emerges as a predominant norm, when viewers are requested to estimate the prevalence of “soft core” content like kissing and partial nudity, but it is a minor phenomenon, when estimating the share of more explicit material such as intercourse, homosexuality and rape. The most prominent predictors of pluralistic media ignorance are disapproval of the inclusion of objectionable content in popular media and extended recall of media exemplars that contain such content. Religiosity, ethnicity and sex are only partly predicting the emergence of pluralistic media ignorance. Media consumption, fear of media influence and other demographics are not predicting it at all. Public policy implications are discussed and suggestions for future research are given.     

The meaning of non-profit mission breadth: A constitutional economics perspective

Given the non-profit management imperative of formulating optimally broad mission statements, this paper explores the meaning and the determinants of non-profit mission breadth. By adopting a constitutional economics perspective, the paper argues that mission breadth is ultimately determined by the trade-off between costs of collective decision-making in non-profit organizations and transaction costs of creating and maintaining these organizations. Developing optimally broad missions is shown to result in minimizing the sum of these costs, thus leading to an expansion of the non-profit sector and to an improvement of its problem-solving potential.     

The effects of multiracial identification on students’ perceptions of racism

This paper compares the differing perceptions of racism reported by White (n = 222), Black (n = 99), and White–Black multiracial (n = 45) students at an urban campus of a Southern university. Using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), we examine the differences between the racial groups in three campus contexts—campus in general, with instructors, and with other students. Items chosen for analysis included behaviors or actions experienced by at least 4% of the respondents. In nearly all areas, the multiracial student group reported the most experience with prejudice. We employ standpoint theory to discuss these findings.     

试论日本医疗体制改革的具体举措及绩效分析

日本医疗体制改革在坚持全民医疗保险制度和非营利性医疗机构为主体的医疗服务提供制度的前提下,以增加患者的负担比例、优化医疗机构、提高医疗质量、扩大医疗资金财源为主要内容,进行了一系列改革。日本医疗体制改革虽然还面临很多困境,但是从长期来看对控制医疗费的持续增长,恢复国民对医疗体制的信赖,减轻政府财政负担有一定作用。     

The emotional terrain of parenting and marriage: Emotion work and marital satisfaction

This study examines how the division of labor surrounding emotion work relates to the marital satisfaction of husbands and wives. The analysis is performed on data from a random sample of couples with at least one child from a northern city in a western state (N = 96 couples). Results suggest that for both husbands and wives the emotion work received from and performed for their spouse is significantly and positively related to marital satisfaction. Results also suggest that the marital satisfaction of husbands is enhanced when they are involved in performing emotion work for children, but if their levels of emotion work for children begin to approach or exceed that of their wives then their marital satisfaction tends to decline. Implications of the study are discussed.     

Disaster preparedness networks in rural Midwest communities: Organizational roles,collaborations, and support for older residents

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the roles and interconnections among community organizations belonging to local disaster coalitions in Midwest in supporting older residents. Representatives from 44 organizations participated in one-time survey. Most were non-profit (68%) or federal/state/local government agencies (23%). The analyses of 761 relationships showed stronger collaborations in assessment (average strength=2.88 on a 5-point scale), emergency response (2.72), and planning (2.61); and weaker collaborations in co-sponsoring programs (1.71) and supporting older residents (2.03). The extent of collaboration (network density) to support older adults was also low. Coalitions may enhance network density and centralization by developing sub-committee structure and strengthening existing collaborations.     

Scientific misconduct: Undue process

Numerous professional societies, universities, research funding sources, federal agencies, and Congressional committees have expressed concern about an apparent increasing incidence of scientific misconduct. Many of these organizations also have published standards for defining such misconduct and their procedures for investigating allegations of scientific misconduct. The futility of these procedures is illustrated by an example of blatant data falsification and fabrication in two different research projects conducted by a single researcher. The problem derives from administrative and judicial systems which have evolved to a stage where they are more concerned with process than outcome. An alternative to the resulting interminable “due process”; of the present system is tentatively suggested.     

Identity and Government Funding in Christian Nonprofits*

Objectives. This article aims to understand if and how the expressed religious identity of Christian nonprofit organizations varies between those receiving and not receiving government funding and whether there is evidence that government funding produces such differences. Methods. I utilize a content analysis of narratives provided on tax forms of 1,900 of the largest national and international Christian nonprofits based in the United States. Results. Christian nonprofits receiving government funding are less likely to express a religious identity and tend to use more inclusive language when doing so. However, receiving government funding does not seem to be the direct cause of changes in expressed religious identity. Conclusions. Differences in expressed religious identity might better be understood as the result of long‐term changes that both alter the organization's identity and makes it more likely to acquire government funding.     

FM local newscasts in the Southwest: A disappearing service

This 2004 investigation of FM radio stations in seven southwestern states presents a snapshot of where radio news might be heading early in our new millennium. Radio is rarely the topic of discussion, giving it the dubious identity of the “forgotten medium.” Seven discrete variables in the form of YES|NO questions are formulated from a 1993 to 2004 literature review that takes into account the demise of radio news on the FM dial. An e-mail questionnaire was answered by management at N = 61 FM stations regarding newscasts in their daily programming. The picture for radio news on the FM dial is gloomy as budget cuts and consolidations impact the newsroom.     

微博空间组织间网络结构及其形成机制：以环保NGO为例

本文使用社会网络分析技术探索微博空间中环保非政府组织间关注/认同关系网的结构,并结合组织间网络、社会运动联盟、互联网研究文献以及我国非政府组织管理制度来探究网络结构的形成机制。研究发现,非政府组织间存在紧密的虚拟联系。统计分析显示,组织间虚拟关系受网络自组织机制、组织资源、合适性原则（注册状态）、同质性原则（离线关系、地理位置、关注领域）和微博使用活跃程度等因素的影响。其中,资源发挥“信号”功能,是组织可信赖性的基础,资源未知者不容易被关注/认同。对于资源已知者而言,资源匮乏者更积极利用微博平台。未注册组织主动与其他组织建立关系,注册组织则避免与未注册组织建立关系。具有线下合作关系或处于同一省份的组织之间更可能建立关注和认同关系,但活动领域仅对认同关系具有影响。微博使用活跃程度也对组织间关系具有正向的影响。