INTER-COM · Integral leadership and communication in non-profit organisations

Leadership and communication process become increasingly important in organisations. Specific developments like budget cutting, deregulation, marketisation or privatisation of non-profit services and changing public policies exert an increasing influence particularly on non-profit organisations. A large amount of studies has shown the impact of both leading and communicating in this context. However there exists no comprehensive integral model and corresponding empirical research on the linkage between leadership and communication in non-profit organisations. The objective of this project is to construct such a model and to investigate empirically the relationship between leadership and communication in non-profit organisations in Germany and Switzerland. To achieve this objective, the project will: (1) start from existing theories with an inter- and transdisciplinary approach, developing an integral framework and research design as well methodology, rendering describable key variables, and moderating factors as well as problem areas and barriers of leadership and communication practices. (2) deduce hypotheses from theoretical propositions and the integral framework, considering subjective, inter-subjective and objective levels, that are covering specifically the interconnected processes of intentional, emotional and behavioural as well as socio-cultural and structural domains of leadership and communication. (3) test the hypotheses and validity of the integral model empirically in concrete context of German and Swiss non-profit organisation, including a comparative analysis. (4) derive theoretical and practical implications as well as societal relevant policies for an effective leadership and communication as well as corresponding organisational learning. The implications include also suggestions for an European oriented leadership and communication development in non-profit organisations.