The World of Non-Profit Organizations

Non-profit organizations (NPOs) represent high ethical values in society. Their legitimacy is based on their commitment to the common good. But how can these high and often very contrary expectations of their stakeholders be implemented in reality? This chapter deals with exactly this question. It helps to better understand the peculiarities and perspectives of non-profit organizations. It deals with the different roles attributed to NPOs, their characteristics and fields of activity, their understated significance as employers, as well as the question of forms of financing and the associated constraints. The chapter concludes with five theses that critically examine problem areas of NPOs and provide initial solutions.