Performance Measurement in Philanthropic Foundations - The Ambiguity of Success and Failure

The growth of philanthropic foundations in numbers and significance raises two immediate questions. First, what makes for success and failure of foundations' projects and activities? Second, what yardsticks or benchmarks are used to measure performance and track goal attainment? The purpose of this book is to delve deeper into the complex set of issues that lie behind the performance and wider impact of philanthropy.

Performance Measurement in Philanthropic Foundations looks at the strengths and weaknesses of philanthropic foundations, which are independent of both the market and ballot box and yet open to signal and incentive deficiencies. The authors use in-depth case studies from different countries to illustrate the problems and challenge much of the conventional wisdom on foundation "success" and "failure." The book also outlines the main contours of a proactive governance and management style to address those problems.

List of contents

Chapter 1: The Performance Enigma of Philanthropic Foundations
Chapter 2: Taking a Closer Look: Fallibility and Ambiguity in Philanthropy
Chapter 3: Case Studies of Benign Fallibility, with Olivia Knodt and Charlotte Koyro
Chapter 4: Implications: Living with Benign Fallibility

About the author

Helmut K. Anheier is Professor of Sociology and President emeritus at the Hertie School of Governance, Germany. He also holds a Chair of Sociology and serves as Academic Director of the Center for Social Investment at Heidelberg University, Germany.
Diana Leat is Visiting Professor at Cass Business School, London, UK. She is an independent researcher and consultant on philanthropy policy and practice, and spent a year at the Carnegie Trust UK developing the first research centre for philanthropy in the UK (CGAP).

Summary

Performance Measurement in Philanthropic Foundations looks at the strengths and weaknesses of philanthropic foundations, which are independent of both the market and ballot box, and yet open to signal and incentive deficiencies.

Product details

• Authors: Anheier, Helmut Anheier, Helmut (London School of Economics London Anheier, Helmut (Ucla Anheier, Helmut K Anheier, Helmut K. Anheier, Helmut K. Leat Anheier, Helmut Leat Anheier, Diana Leat, Diana (London School of Economics London Sch Leat, Diana (London School of Economics) Anheier Leat, Diana Anheier Leat, Leat Diana
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 30.09.2018
• EAN: 9781138062443
• ISBN: 978-1-138-06244-3
• No. of pages: 204
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Education > Social education, social work; Social sciences, law, business > Business > General, dictionaries; Business & Economics / General, POLITICAL SCIENCE / NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations), SOCIAL SCIENCE / Philanthropy & Charity, Organizational theory & behaviour, Social issues & processes, Sociology: work & labour, Social and ethical issues, Non-profitmaking organizations, Public ownership / nationalization