Internationalization in the non-profit sector

Natália Jelčová

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This thesis aims to create empirical evidence on applicability of international business research in non-profit sector. In order to investigate this complex phenomenon, it first studies five non-profit organizations using qualitative case study approach including semi-structured interviews with top executives from examined organizations, and second, using comparative analysis, critically compares empirical findings with existing international business research literature. In its first part, research focuses on examination of internationalization in non-profit sector from three perspectives – internationalization motives, key success factors, and relation between mission, vision, strategy and structure in international context. The thesis first provides practical implications on questions why non-profits expand abroad, how they succeed and offers recommendations on how they could improve their international strategy and structure. Secondly, it concludes that there are significant similarities between non-profit and for-profit organizations in internationalization context and therefore non-profits may employ international business concepts in order to improve their international strategy and success.

Abstract:

This thesis aims to create empirical evidence on applicability of international business research in non-profit sector. In order to investigate this complex phenomenon, it first studies five non-profit organizations using qualitative case study approach including semi-structured interviews with top executives from examined organizations, and second, using comparative analysis, critically compares empirical findings with existing international business research literature. In its first part, research focuses on examination of internationalization in non-profit sector from three perspectives – internationalization motives, key success factors, and relation between mission, vision, strategy and structure in international context. The thesis first provides practical implications on questions why non-profits expand abroad, how they succeed and offers recommendations on how they could improve their international strategy and structure. Secondly, it concludes that there are significant similarities between non-profit and for-profit organizations in internationalization context and therefore non-profits may employ international business concepts in order to improve their international strategy and success.

Keywords

non-profit sector, internationalization motives, success factors, international strategy, organizational structure

Keywords

internationalization motives, success factors, international strategy, non-profit sector, organizational structure

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 2. 1. 2020

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 1. 2. 2021
• Supervisor: Ladislav Tyll
• Reader: Natálie Badie

Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze

Master programme / field:
Ekonomika a management / International Management