Managerial Development Programs for Executive Directors and Accountability Practices in Nonprofit Organizations

Abstract

Facing the potential leadership deficit and mounting pressures for performance and accountability, government and nonprofit organizations have become more interested in providing training and development programs for their executives. However, existing research falls short in explaining the utility of managerial development programs in achieving performance and accountability in public and nonprofit contexts. This study examines how executives’ participation in various managerial development programs is associated with the adoption of organizational practices for financial, client-service, and performance accountability, using a survey of nonprofit human services organizations. The results reveal that organizations whose executives participated in managerial development programs are more likely to have such practices. In particular, the results show that participation in general management and administration training and regular mentoring is positively associated with accountability practices in all three areas. Overall, the findings suggest that providing incumbent executives with training and development opportunities is as important as recruiting qualified individuals in ensuring organizational accountability and performance.