Social Sector Organisations (SSOs) usually tend to be externally focussed i.e. on their programmes, on the communities they work with and on the outcomes and impact of their interventions. However, the way an SSO is legally and operationally organised influences how it secures and manages its resources, makes decisions and achieves its mission. It is therefore equally important for organisations to focus on their internal structure and design. Managers of SSOs hence must be able to understand design elements of an organisation and how they influence its capacity to achieve its objectives.

This course will introduce participants to organisation design, and its key considerations (environment, purpose, strategy, size, and culture), guiding principles and allied concepts. The course will enable participants to identify the design of SSOs through their organisational structures, processes and culture. They will understand what design is appropriate for which type of organisation based on its notions of effectiveness. They will also learn why organisations adopt a particular design that fits in with their stage of growth and their specific goals and working approach.