HBI Colloquium: Moving Beyond Transactions

Moving Beyond Transactions: A Qualitative Look at the Characteristics of Transformational Relationships Leveraged by Nonprofit Staff in Their Work in the Community

Presenter: Catherine (Draeger) Pederson, PhD

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of transformational relationships, in contrast to transactional encounters, and how they are leveraged by nonprofit staff to improve nonprofit effectiveness. This research addresses the dissonance that exists between transformational change needed in struggling communities and the transactional work that is required by nonprofits to serve those communities continuously. Throughout the Literature, there is a consensus that nonprofits should have a level of accountability to their beneficiaries and funding partners. Still, there is limited consensus about what evaluation method(s) offers the best measurement of nonprofit effectiveness and outcomes. Benjamin’s (2008) research observed a model that included tracking both short- and long-term outcomes focused on external changes by participants and organizational capacity/building.